Committee forwards $451,089 surety funds for Connect 55 site stabilization to council

The Gallatin City Council Committee on June 24 voted to send to the full council an ordinance appropriating $451,089.12 of surety funds to address unfinished site work at the Connect 55 assisted-living project at Savannah Marketplace.

City Planner Brian Rose told the committee the project had completed initial grading and drainage work but then discontinued construction and left the site unstable. The bank that had issued a surety bond declined to renew the surety, and on May 29, 2025 the planning commission voted to call the surety so the city could secure funds to stabilize or return the site to its original state.

Rose said staff had received the surety funds and asked the committee to appropriate the money to the correct account to begin abatement and stabilization work. “This money comes to us from a surety that was retained for the Connect 55 project,” Rose said, explaining the bank would not renew the surety and the planning commission had called the surety to allow city action.

The committee moved the ordinance to the council for final action. Motion to send the ordinance to council was made by Councilman Jevant and seconded by Councilman Carter; the committee voiced its approval and the item will proceed to the full council. Rose added that if the city does not use all of the funds, the unused portion will be returned to the bank.

Next steps: Staff will place the appropriation ordinance on the full council docket and, if approved by council, proceed with contracting or work necessary to stabilize the Connect 55 site to protect public health and safety or return the parcel to its original state.