Charlotte County holds contractor to account after South County Regional Park pool resurfacing fails safety checks

Charlotte County commissioners paused any decision to accept the resurfacing work at South County Regional Park’s pool after staff reported safety and workmanship issues and concerns about contractor performance. Community Services staff briefed the board that contractor work missed multiple deadlines, caused what staff described as trip hazards around the pool deck, and left lane-marking and finish defects inside the pool.

Tommy Scott, community services director, told commissioners the contractor had repeatedly missed completion dates originally set for March and later estimates. "I can't recommend opening this pool with the the surface as it is now," Scott said during the May 27 meeting after showing photos of uneven tile, bulging pool finishes and exposed gaps around grates.

Procurement staff said the county has paid about 60% of the two project contracts — $256,800 for pool resurfacing and $185,008.50 for tile — and that the work has not met expected standards. "We have an underperforming contractor that we've been struggling with," Purchasing Manager Kim Corbett told the commission. Corbett said the county's standard maintenance-contract practice does not require liquidated damages and that the contractor has been paid partial invoices under the existing contract terms.

Commissioners pressed staff for next steps. Several members called for a forensic, third-party engineering review to document workmanship and to determine whether the work must be removed and redone. Commissioner Truax said the photographs shown at the meeting demonstrated "disgusting" workmanship and urged legal action if necessary. Commissioner Doherty asked county attorneys and administration to prepare options, including insurance claims and contractor replacement.

County administration said staff would: (1) retain an independent forensic engineer to document current conditions and recommend remedial measures, (2) place the contractor on formal notice and request written cure plans, (3) review contractor insurance coverages and payment history, and (4) bring a recommendation back to the commission as soon as possible. Staff also told the board they would request the contractor appear at a future meeting and would provide weekly updates until the issue is resolved.

The pool remains closed. Commissioners said they will not accept the work — nor authorize further payments beyond existing contract terms — until the county has independent, written confirmation that the pool meets safety and building requirements and until remaining punch-list items are corrected under an enforceable schedule or other remedies are pursued.

The resurfacing issue was discussed at length, and the commission voted to table further action to allow staff to secure outside technical review and to report back, with legal and procurement assessments of contract and insurance remedies.