Council approves $189,000 engineering contract with JEO for public works facility site design

Augusta City Council on March 3 approved an engineering services agreement with JEO Consulting Group for site design, construction administration and stormwater pollution prevention services for a proposed consolidated public works facility. The contract is not to exceed $189,000 and staff said funding will be taken from CIP Fund 16.

Tim Johnson, public utilities director, told the council the long‑running project would consolidate the streets, parks and solid waste divisions and provide protected indoor storage for high‑value equipment. “Proper public works facilities are essential for maintaining city infrastructure and providing the services and support necessary to maintain a high quality of life in this community,” Johnson said. He described prior steps including geotechnical analysis, property acquisitions and preliminary site planning.

Under the JEO agreement, the firm will prepare site layout, stormwater permitting and a stormwater pollution prevention plan, handle construction administration and provide construction staking. Johnson said the city has allocated roughly $312,000 in the bridal and progress/CIP budget for miscellaneous capital projects and proposed using $189,000 of that amount for the engineering contract.

Council asked questions about storage for heavy equipment and trucks; staff said consolidating facilities will protect expensive equipment and reduce long‑term maintenance costs. The motion to approve the JEO agreement passed with no recorded opposition.

Council members said financing details for the overall facility remain to be finalized and will be discussed at an upcoming strategic retreat; the engineering agreement advances design and permitting so the city can prepare cost estimates and financing options for later approvals.