Virginia City Council approves epoxy flooring for new Public Safety Center, funded from project contingency

Virginia City Council voted Nov. 10 to approve adding epoxy flooring to select areas of the new Public Safety Center, citing durability and safety. The council agreed the expense will be paid from the project's contingency fund.

Supporters said epoxy will protect high-traffic areas and vehicle bays from salt and wear. Assistant Chief Eric Jonason said unfinished concrete in showers and apparatus bays risks mold and accelerated deterioration, and argued that epoxy is a necessary life-cycle investment: "If somebody spills coffee, it's gonna stay ... it's like mopping your garage floor every day," Jonason said, urging finished flooring in living and apparatus spaces.

City staff reported the floor finish had been part of the original build but removed during value engineering when costs ballooned. Sean Lewis of Carl Sanderson told the council the project remains within budget overall but that some finishing items were cut to meet the original limit. Councilors discussed alternatives such as LVT or tile, and asked about warranty and slip resistance; staff said epoxy includes a grit to increase traction and requires different maintenance equipment.

Several councilors expressed concern about spending contingency late in the year but said protecting the new $30 million investment and limiting future repair costs convinced them to proceed. City Administrator Bridal Bennett and finance staff said they are pursuing material sales-tax rebates and other credits that could offset some costs, and that remaining contingency would be tracked as numbers come in.

The council’s approval adds the epoxy back as a value-add item and authorizes staff to implement the work and pay from the project contingency according to standard procurement and change-order procedures. Staff said the project still requires some punch-list work and final coordination with the general contractor before scheduling the flooring work.

The council did not provide a separate warranty figure at the meeting; staff said they would report warranty and rebate estimates when available. The committee record showed a prior motion to approve change order #65 for epoxy (increase of $87,887) failed at the committee meeting; the council later approved epoxy as part of a revised funding plan.

The next step is for staff to finalize contract change orders and report updated contingency and rebate estimates to the council.