Greer council approves $19.08 million early‑release package to keep sports and events center on schedule

Greer — On Sept. 23, the Greer City Council voted unanimously to approve an early‑release purchase package of $19,078,636 for the Sports & Events Center, a step city staff said is intended to secure long‑lead items and keep the facility on track for an early 2027 opening.

City staff told council the package covers cast‑in‑place concrete, precast concrete tilt‑up panels, structural metal framing, waterproofing, termite treatment for the building pad and gym equipment that has lengthy manufacturing lead times. "The total for the early release package is $19,078,636," the staff presenter said during the meeting.

Why it matters: staff said the early buy will help avoid schedule slippage and price increases in a volatile construction market. Presenters said some items in the package — particularly precast concrete and structural steel — have long lead times, and that procuring them now reduces the risk of later delays.

Councilors pressed staff on how large the package is relative to the total project. Staff initially characterized the package as "about 30%" of the total but later stated it amounted to roughly 50% of the overall contract value; staff also said the project's total contract is approximately $27,000,000. Staff described contingency handling as built into each early‑release component and explained that unused contingency would be rolled back into the overall contract cost.

Council members questioned contingency levels and contractor selection. Staff said contractor fees are expected near 3.25% with owner fees around 1.5%, and that contractor and design contingencies remain in place to handle schedule or scope adjustments. The presenter said discussions are ongoing with subcontractors and that the city is carrying limited design‑assist contingencies (approximately 1%, or about $175,000, on some items) as a precaution.

The package includes the gym equipment package staff described in detail: overhead‑supported side‑brace basketball systems for main and auxiliary gyms, curtain dividers, Skymaster overhead volleyball systems, flooring pads and a wireless control system for raising and lowering equipment. Councilor questions about equipment scope were answered with a breakdown of systems and quantities for main and auxiliary gym spaces.

Outcome and next steps: Council moved to receive the item and then voted by roll call; each named member voted 'Yes.' The approval authorizes staff to proceed with the early purchases as described. City staff said they remain engaged with the general contractor to maintain the schedule and work to finalize the guaranteed maximum price (GMP).

The council adjourned immediately after the vote. No executive‑session business was reported.