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Commission approves $35.1M in borrowing and $10.16M GMP for Jackie Robinson Ballpark phase 2
Summary
The City approved a $35.5M authorization and related TD Bank loan paperwork to finance second‑phase renovations at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, plus a $10.16M guaranteed maximum price for phase‑2 construction segment; votes were 5–2 on the major finance items.
Daytona Beach commissioners on Nov. 19 voted to advance the second phase of renovations at Jackie Robinson Ballpark by approving both debt authorization and construction-phase agreements.
On second reading commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of capital improvement loans (Series 2025A and 2025B) not to exceed $35.5 million to finance capital improvements tied to the second phase of the stadium renovation. Deputy City Manager and Fire Chief Drew Driscoll summarized how earlier $30 million estimates were construction‑only and did not include soft costs, permitting, preconstruction work and contingencies. Driscoll walked the commission through earlier GMPs and line items that raised the total projected borrowings; the Commission approved the borrowing ordinance, 5–2.
At the same meeting the commission approved a resolution authorizing a TD Public Finance loan agreement (par amount not to exceed $35,090,000) corresponding to the ordinance, again by a 5–2 vote. Commissioners also approved Amendment No. 4 to the design‑build contract with Barton Malow Builders LLC, authorizing a Phase 2 Guaranteed Maximum Price of $10,160,956 for the construction segment of phase 2.
Public speakers and several commissioners expressed concern about the project’s escalating cost and long‑term debt service: speakers noted prior estimates ranging from $17M to $30M and urged clearer end‑point budgeting. Driscoll and staff emphasized the economic rationale: retaining the Daytona Tortugas minor‑league affiliation, maintaining annual economic impact cited at $17.5M, and prior third‑party cost inputs. Staff said several earlier contingencies and fees were reduced or rolled into future phases after value engineering.
What happens next: The authorized borrowing and TD Bank loan paperwork allow staff to proceed with procurement and construction under the approved GMP; staff also indicated ongoing cost‑management steps and the possibility of future phase approvals if required.
