Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves $435,400 cap for extended construction oversight after Smithsburg WWTP delays
Summary
Washington County commissioners approved change order #19 to extend construction management for the Smithsburg wastewater treatment plant upgrade, citing supplier delivery delays and authorizing up to $435,400 on a time-and-materials basis; funding will come from CIP allocations.
Washington County commissioners voted unanimously to approve change order #19 and continued construction management services for the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade after contractors reported equipment delivery delays.
Joe Moss, deputy director of engineering for water quality, told the board that HRI, the construction contractor, began the project with a notice to proceed on April 15, 2024, and that the original completion date had been October 15, 2025. Moss said supplier delays — specifically long lead times for the motor control center and specialized motor-operated valves — produced excusable procurement delays and prompted a requested 341‑day contract extension.
Moss asked the board to approve continued construction management from the county’s design consultant and their subconsultant on a time-and-materials basis “for a sum not to exceed $435,400.” He said there is money available in CIP project TRP021 and that a budget transfer will be required.
Kelsey Mace, chief financial officer, confirmed the project has a mix of funding sources, including a low‑interest state loan, a bond issuance and ARPA allocations; commissioners and staff clarified there were not large state grant awards tied to construction funding.
Commissioners asked whether local development (a Cloverly subdivision) was stalled by the plant delays; Moss said he could not answer immediately and offered to follow up after the meeting. The board then approved the change order by voice vote, 5‑0.
The county’s presentation cited equipment lead times measured in weeks to months and described the motor control center as the critical electrical panel feeding other systems. The change order is intended to keep consultant oversight in place while the project team works to accelerate remaining tasks and manage supplier schedules.
The board did not set a new final completion date during the open session. Staff said they would provide additional schedule and developer‑impact information after the meeting.
