Coffey County approves bridge contract and a disputed $29,521.90 change order

The Coffey County Commission approved a $823,155 contract for County Bridge B2 and authorized a $29,521.90 change order to complete Phase 1 drainage work after a split vote and extended discussion about cost responsibility.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Ryan Durst recommended awarding construction of County Bridge B2 to B and B Company LLC for $823,155. Durst told commissioners the contract portion was 100% federally funded under the off‑system bridge program, the total project cap was listed at $1,300,000 and the county’s out‑of‑pocket responsibility to date was about $2,000; the commission approved the bid 4–0.

The meeting then considered pay application number 5 for ongoing work and a related change order. Staff presented Pay App #5 (the transcript lists a revised figure of $13,005.34 for quantities and an application amount of $13,534.11) and the commission authorized payment.

Change Order Number 8 — presented as an add‑on to Phase 1 for additional drainage work including HDPE pipe, concrete end sections and related quantities — was proposed in the amount of $29,521.90. Staff and the contractor said inspectors reviewed pricing and KDOT approvals were obtained for the revised drainage approach. Commissioners debated whether the county’s crews could have completed the work to save the $29,521.90 and whether the added cost should be borne by the CDBG grant or by county taxpayers; staff responded that the overage would be the county’s responsibility unless additional CDBG funds were available. The commission approved Change Order 8 on a 3–1 vote, with Commissioner Appendroth recorded as opposed.

During discussion, a commissioner asked whether subcontractors were solicited for the change; contractor representatives said general contractors typically secure subcontractors and that submitted quantities appear reasonable based on inspection.

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved corrected CP2 payroll notices for two Road & Bridge staff promotions — Hunter Riley and Gavin Conkle — each reflecting corrected hourly wages ($20.80) and effective dates of Dec. 16, 2025; both motions passed 4–0. Staff also noted an upcoming Phase 2 payout for $107,000 (mainly for demolition) tied to courthouse construction and described plans to accommodate court operations during construction.

The change‑order vote and the bridge contract represent the meeting’s principal fiscal decisions; the Record shows no further action on litigation or other contested matters. The commission recessed for two executive sessions on personnel matters later in the meeting and adjourned at 11:52 a.m.