Board questions large change orders and how prior reallocation pushed a project over approval threshold
Summary
Board members probed the change-order summary after seeing a 'CO total' entry and a line where change orders pushed a project over the $300,000 board-approval threshold; staff said money had been moved between projects and added percentages on change orders increased totals.
A board member questioned the change-order summary sheet after seeing a 'CO total' line and a cited $57,000 figure, asking why some projects showed more than half of the contract amount as change orders.
District staff explained that prior reallocation of funds between projects (the Hoggard title-9 improvements and a separate 'Hanover 1' project) and percentage add-ons to change orders pushed the total above the $300,000 threshold that triggers formal board approval. "That was before I stepped into the role, but that was voted on previously ... they tacked on a percentage for the change order, which bumped it up over ... the $300,000 threshold and then that required board approval," staff said.
The board discussed the documentation trail for contract adjustments and confirmed that change orders must be signed off and recorded. Board members requested clearer labeling in reports to avoid confusion over 'CO total' vs. contract savings.
What’s next: staff indicated they will ensure the reporting language is clearer and will provide details where funds were reallocated. No vote was taken at this meeting on construction contracts.
