Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Worker Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Design changes cut cost by about $1 million for county worker housing/childcare project, staff says
Summary
County staff said a revised design for the worker housing and childcare center eliminates an underground parking garage and reduces the childcare footprint, producing roughly $1 million in savings; county awaits MCR/DOLA grant decision expected in February.
Routt County staff updated commissioners on Jan. 13 that a design change to a proposed combined worker housing and childcare center will remove an underground parking garage in favor of above‑ground parking and reduce the childcare center by at least one classroom, producing an estimated cost savings of a little over $1 million.
Elena, a county project lead, told the board the “reduced footprint in the new design has allowed for above ground parking” and that change “is a huge cost savings.” She added the revision also lowers operational costs because the childcare center is smaller by at least one classroom.
A commissioner asked whether above‑ground parking will increase winter maintenance costs. Elena said above‑ground parking likely introduces more snow removal needs, but overall the reduction in building size yields net savings of roughly $1 million. She also noted the underground plan previously provided only one parking space per residential unit and always anticipated some outside parking for daycare operations.
The county is also awaiting a decision on an MCR DOLA grant for a battery component of the project; Elena said a concrete notification date has not been provided but “it looks to be February.” Staff are working through definitions of equipment ownership and land use required by the grant review panel.
Why it matters: The project combines worker housing and childcare, and the design change reduces near‑term capital and long‑term operating costs. The county’s prospective award of an MCR DOLA grant would affect project funding timing and details.
Next steps: Staff said they will submit an updated pro forma for the overall budget and continue to respond to grant follow‑up questions from the MCR/DOLA review panel.
