Kootenai County OKs $271,358 increase to finish Landfill East Cell Phase E3, total $6.15 million

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved spending an additional $271,357.55 to complete Landfill East Cell Phase E3, bringing the total project cost to $6,149,757.55.

John Phillips, Solid Waste director, told the board the final project costs are approximately 4.6% over the original bid because of unforeseen geological conditions encountered during excavation. “Solid waste department is requesting approval from the BOCC to spend an additional $271,357.55 over the original bid price of approximately $5,880,000 to finish the Landfill E3 construction project,” Phillips said.

Phillips said the overrun was largely due to subsurface conditions that were unknown until excavation began but that the final cost still came in below the budgeted amount. He provided those dollar figures during the board presentation and asked the board to authorize payment of the change order.

The board approved the request by voice vote. Commissioner Eberlein voted Aye. Commissioner Duncan voted Aye. Chair Metari voted Aye. The motion carried.

Clarifying details provided during the meeting indicate the increase is an overage relative to the original low bid (approximately $5.88 million) rather than a new budget appropriation; Phillips said the project remains under the overall budgeted authorization for the program. No further financing breakdown or contractor claim details were provided at the meeting.

The board did not direct additional follow-up at the meeting beyond approval of the payment.