Panama City commissioners unanimously approved two contracts on Dec. 30, 2024, awarding Gulf Coast Underground work under commission-approved push-button contracts and adopting associated budget amendments funded by ARPA and CDBG grants.

City Manager Jonathan Hayes presented staff recommendations asking the commission to approve Gulf Coast Underground (GCU) under contracts PC 24017 and PC 24018. The first contract, PC 24017, covers camera-and-line work on Ninth Street (Chestnut Avenue East to Drake Avenue) for $147,966.80; the second, PC 24018, covers camera-and-line work on Sherman Avenue (West to Maple Avenue) for $103,873.60. Staff enclosed background material in the commission packet and recommended approval to the director of public works.

Commissioners moved to approve both items and the accompanying budget amendment resolutions (read into the record as resolutions 20241230.1 and 20241230.2). The roll call vote on each item recorded Commissioners Street, Halligas, Granger and Mayor Pro Tem Lucas voting “yes.” Both motions passed 4 to 0.

Hayes and staff said the items are funded by ARPA or CDBG grant money and that the special meeting was scheduled in part to meet grant timing; the commission clarified that ARPA funds had to be encumbered by Dec. 31. Staff also referenced packet materials and a staff recommendation from the director of public works.

The resolution read into the record (20241230.1) provides for budgeting of state and local fiscal recovery funds tied to the approved contract; resolution 20241230.2 covers a separate budget amendment related to the second contract.

The commission took no amendments to the contracts during the meeting and did not delay award; both contract approvals and the budget amendments became final by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned after routine closing remarks and New Year's greetings.