Herkimer County IDA authorizes contractor payments as Skyler Business Park project pauses for backordered lighting
Loading...
Summary
The Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency authorized payment to contractors to cover $308,048.94 currently owed on the Skyler Business Park project and discussed short-term county borrowing while awaiting state drawdowns (targeting about $1,024,000); lighting delays have pushed some work to spring.
The Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency on Monday approved contractor payments to keep the Skyler Business Park project moving while it waits for delayed state reimbursements and backordered materials.
Board members were told the construction of the park’s entrance and turn lanes required a change order to widen corners for tractor trailers. Work has paused on some elements because required lighting equipment is backordered; staff said the lights are not expected until spring, extending part of the schedule.
A staff speaker told the board, “We owe Carver today. We owe Carver today. We $308,048.94,” noting that current contractor payments total roughly $308,048.94 and additional costs at project completion could bring the total closer to $400,000. Staff said the project previously drew on a $1,024,000 authorization for interim financing and that the agency is pursuing drawdowns from the state to reimburse short-term county support.
The board discussed how contingency funds and shifting line items in large construction projects move budgeted amounts between contractors, engineers and vendors. Staff said prior drawdown discussions with the state had delayed receipt of some funds, but that the state has since agreed to allow phased drawdowns; staff estimated full reimbursement could arrive in May or June.
Board members emphasized the need for regular updates and clearer synopses of where drawdown and invoice amounts stand. One member asked that staff circulate brief written summaries to clarify the $1,024,000 drawdown, the $308,048.94 currently owed, and the remaining deferred light-related costs.
The board voted to authorize payments necessary to continue the project and to use the county as a short-term lender if state funds were not available in time; members noted the county agreed not to charge interest for that temporary support. The motion carried by voice vote with members responding "aye."
