Georgetown — The City Council on Dec. 22 approved Change Order No. 11 totaling $486,395.52 and Pay Application No. 56 for $387,495.60 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant No.1 upgrade and expansion, city utilities staff said.

Utilities staff told council the change order comprises nine elements, the largest of which is increased pavement scope and higher asphalt costs since the project was originally bid in 2021. The order also covers additional gas connections required by Columbia Gas (three meters versus the single connection in the original design), added bollards and concrete work to protect equipment, extra grade adjustments for manholes and tanks, HVAC labor and material escalations, and two odor-control items: an added exterior access door for maintenance and an industrial curtain to enclose sludge and grit containers.

"This project was originally bid in 2021," a utilities presenter said, urging council to remember that multiyear projects commonly require change orders and that contingency funds exist for such events. The presenter added the city anticipates reaching substantial completion in early 2026.

Council discussed whether some elements could have been better anticipated; a council member noted that, aside from pavement pricing, several items were difficult to foresee until construction progressed. Utilities staff responded that contingency was planned for such escalations and that they expect this to be the last significant change order.

Council then approved the change order and the pay application by voice vote. The pay application covers work completed in November and staff said the contractor remains motivated to meet the project deadlines because prolonged on-site time reduces contractor margins.

The city did not provide an itemized contract-cost breakdown beyond the nine component categories described at the meeting. Staff said they will continue to manage remaining costs and aim to show savings at project closeout.

Ending

The upgrade and expansion work will continue into 2026; council approval of the change order and pay request keeps the project moving toward substantial completion and final closeout. Further budget and contingency balances were not specified at the meeting.