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Elkhart County accepts H&G wastewater project as substantially complete, approves final pay and change order
Summary
The Elkhart County Commissioners accepted a certificate of substantial completion for the Southwest 4 Acre/Tecumseh Acres wastewater project, approved a $1.34 million decrease in the contract via change order No. 7, and authorized final payment tied to state and federal grants.
Elkhart County Commissioners voted Dec. 9 to accept a certificate of substantial completion for the Southwest 4 Acre/Tecumseh Acres wastewater project built by H&G Underground Utilities, approved a final change order that reduces the contract by $1,342,667, and authorized final payment tied to state and federal grant reimbursements.
The county attorney’s office presented the certificate. "They have reached a date of substantial completion," said Steve Olson of the county attorney's office, noting the certificate is dated Aug. 6, 2024. Olson said engineers and contractors verified the date and that the county had been holding the certificate while punch-list work continued.
County officials also asked the board to accept a maintenance bond from H&G Underground Utilities to cover issues separate from the contractor warranty. The board approved acceptance of that bond "subject to final legal approval," Olson said.
Why it matters: the project is primarily funded by two grants, one state and one federal, and finalizing the contract and pay application allows the county to close the grants before the end of the fiscal year and seek reimbursement. Olson told commissioners the final pay application—representing retained amounts for equipment—totaled $529,347.21 and would be processed after legal review so the county can request grant reimbursement.
The board also approved final change order No. 7, which the county attorney described as reducing the contract price by $1,342,667 and bringing the final contract amount to $9,490,971.16. Olson said the contract included a prior increase of $29,263.79 and that the additional 36 calendar days on the substantial completion and final payment dates were added to accommodate weather and other circumstances.
Board actions at a glance: - Accepted certificate of substantial completion for H&G Underground Utilities, Southwest 4 Acre/Tecumseh Acres wastewater project; motion approved. - Accepted maintenance bond from H&G Underground Utilities, subject to final legal approval; motion approved. - Approved final change order No. 7, a decrease of $1,342,667, bringing the final contract price to $9,490,971.16; motion approved. - Approved final pay application No. 11 in the amount of $529,347.21 to release retainage and permit grant closeout; motion approved (transcript records an "opposed" during the roll call but does not name the speaker).
Other business tied to county operations approved the same day included contracting approvals and grant agreements that affect county finances. The county attorney emphasized the timing: "For the state grant, it has to be closed out by this fiscal year," and closed federal grant paperwork is preferable to ensure local cost savings, Olson said.
Ending: Commissioners recorded their approvals by voice vote; routine ministerial items including claims and minutes were also approved earlier in the meeting.
