Board approves $331,692 contract increase for Rockwood Library refresh

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to increase the contract price for the Rockwood Library refresh project by $331,692.37, bringing the total from $475,893.59 to $807,585.96.

Heidi Leibrand, procurement and contracting manager for the Department of County Assets, told the board the increase exceeds the 33% limit that requires board approval. County staff said the higher cost results from added scope — upgraded lighting, accessibility devices such as restroom door actuators and power-assist, and repair to about five feet of exterior wall that sustained water damage discovered after construction began.

Kate Vance, deputy director for the library capital bond program, said the bond fund (Fund 25-17) has contingency capacity and that executive leadership authorized the release of a portion of those contingency funds to absorb the additional costs. "Because we were able to forecast these changes there is no change to the GO bond fund 25-17 and these funds will be added to the project budget from available contingencies within the fund," Vance said.

Staff noted the project is part of the larger library capital bond approved by voters (Measure 26-211 in November 2020). Commissioners who spoke expressed support for the increased investment in the Rockwood branch and appreciation for using existing contingency rather than new county general funds.

A public commenter who identified himself as Lightning endorsed the project and suggested additional outreach ideas, including promotional items for libraries.

The resolution passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.