Bluffton approves change order for Historic District sewer project to cover unforeseen private-connection work

Town staff told the Bluffton Town Council on Jan. 13 that Jordan Construction has completed mainline sewer work in Historic District phases 4–6 and that additional field conditions and private-property connection work require a change order.

Staff described two main categories of additional cost: mainline adjustments (including relocation of an unknown water line on Wall Street and added manholes on Green Street to accommodate future Boundary Street drainage) and private-property connection work (three additional pump stations for properties that cannot connect by gravity, two properties with multiple septic systems requiring extra connections, and additional tree/hardscape restoration). Staff said rights-of-entry and onsite assessment after construction began revealed these items and that some of the mainline items were covered by original project contingency but the private-connection work requires a change order.

During questions, councilmembers asked whether the contractor could have anticipated the costs; staff said accurate pricing for private connections requires rights-of-entry and onsite inspection and that the bid included reasonable contingencies. Staff said the FY2026 budget included $1,700,000 for the project and that even with the change order and contingency the project would remain below budget. Staff asked council to authorize the town manager to execute the change order and an additional contingency to avoid multiple return trips to council should other unforeseen items surface.

A councilmember moved to approve the staff request; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said the next steps are for the town manager to execute the change order and for the contractor to proceed with connection work; town staff expect the operational lines to be online in spring upon completion and permitting.