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Board debates paying $639,000 redesign and code‑upgrade fees for Columbia Elementary before county approval
Summary
Staff requested funds to update Columbia Elementary design to the 2021 International Building Code and to pay design/redesign fees; some board members expressed reluctance to pay large design fees before the county commission commits construction funding.
School staff told the board that Columbia Elementary’s design must be revisited to meet the 2021 International Building Code and that the district expects substantial design and permitting fees for the work. Staff estimated the redesign/design-related cost at about $639,000 for revisiting the prior design and bringing it into compliance; the fee would be drawn from the district’s capital request funds if the board approves.
Board members asked whether the district should pay the $639,000 redesign fee before the county commission approves funding for the school. "I am real hesitant to pay out the $639,000 until we know that the county commission is going to approve this project," one board member said. Staff replied the redesign work must be done to bid or build under the new code and that delaying design work could push bid dates and raise construction costs further.
Staff explained the $639,000 covers redesign, code‑compliance verification and permitting reviews (including work the State Fire Marshal requires when the code changes). "Whether this building's built on that site, whether it's built on a Baker site, a Brown site, or a clean site, we haven't discussed. This process has to be done," a staff presenter said. Staff acknowledged the risk board members raised of spending design money if the county commission later declines to fund construction, but noted that postponing the redesign could increase overall project costs if bids are delayed.
Board members requested an itemized accounting of prior fees paid to the architect and more documentation breaking down the redesign estimate. Staff said they would provide the earlier design fee and the specs that informed the $53.34 million construction projection.
Ending — next steps: The board agreed to treat the redesign fee question as a separate voting item at the regular meeting (one member asked that the item be placed under new business for individual vote). Staff will provide a breakdown of fees previously paid and the redesign scope to help the board decide whether to encumber those funds now or postpone them pending county funding decisions.
