Martinsville RDC approves claims after engineer explains levy-project overages

Members of the Martinsville City Redevelopment Commission approved two claims, including an engineering invoice, after an engineer explained how recent changes to the levee/levy project produced engineering overages.

Ben, the engineer who addressed the commission, said the overall levy project remains under budget but that engineering services specifically were “technically over budget” because change orders and design adjustments accrue fees. He said the engineering invoice cannot be charged to the levy grant directly and recommended using local funds—specifically noting that TIF funds were the most appropriate local source because RDC bond funds are earmarked for property acquisitions downtown.

Commissioners asked whether the invoice would count against the project’s required local match. Ben confirmed the invoice does count against the local match and said the city should still be able to cover it; the commission was told the city expects a significant tax draw next month and that the city has some remaining bond funds but those are reserved.

When asked whether more engineering charges were expected, Ben said the typical later modifications have been in the $20,000 range. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the claims; commissioners voted verbally in favor.

The commission also reviewed an annual spending “wish list” that staff compiles each year and approved moving that list forward as a planning document, noting it is not a binding commitment to spend all items. The meeting concluded with scheduling for the December meeting to accommodate year‑end approvals and a brief update on operations at the newly acquired theater.