The Torrington City Council on Nov. 10 tabled a staff request to authorize $226,178.60 in design‑initiated change orders for the Church Street bridge (CTDOT Bridge No. 03976), citing concerns about process and use of contingency funds.

City Engineer Paul told the council the original construction contract, awarded at $1,000,004.74, came in on budget but that work uncovered concrete deck deficiencies and required additional shimming and paving after milling. "We had to dig them up and repair them," he said, explaining the repairs occurred while the road was closed and before paving could proceed.

Several council members questioned why the city’s contingency was not applied. "I'm still a little leery of this... I don't really feel comfortable approving it or taking action on it," one council member said, pressing staff for earlier notice and clearer accounting. Paul acknowledged the timing and said he would take responsibility for notifying the council earlier in similar situations.

A motion to table the authorization passed 4–1. Council directed staff to produce a full accounting of remaining bonded project funds at the next meeting and suggested using contingency funds to cover the railing replacement while returning with separate requests for the other unforeseen items.

The tabling leaves the $226,178.60 request unresolved; the council expects the bond fund accounting at its next meeting, scheduled for one week after the Nov. 10 session.