County Approves Water‑system Change Orders, Seeks Grant Amendment for Flood Infrastructure

Val Verde County commissioners approved multiple actions related to water infrastructure and public works during Thursday’s meeting, including contract change orders for the Comstock water tank, moving forward on a booster‑station project after a grant denial and requesting an amendment to a Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) grant to incorporate sirens into a flood‑infrastructure project.

County staff reported the Comstock Water Tank contract required a change order of $16,186 to replace two existing 6‑inch gate valves; funding for the work will come from an existing grant. The court approved the change order by voice vote.

On booster stations, the court discussed procurement for the Escondido pump station and acknowledged $355,000 had already been set aside, though staff warned recent price quotes had at times exceeded that amount. Commissioners agreed to proceed with purchasing activity for the booster station despite a related grant denial, with the understanding the county had funds available to continue.

For flood‑infrastructure work, the court approved asking the TWDB for amendment G1001230 to allow the project to include siren installations. Staff said the amendment would let the county use grant funds for sirens as part of the larger flood‑protection project.

The court also approved a smaller repair estimate for a Fairgrounds submersible well pump (total labor and work $7,720.27), which staff said will be paid from fairgrounds funds.

Next steps: staff will process the approved change orders and continue procurement for the Escondido pump station; the county will formally request the TWDB amendment and return to the court with any required contract documents and updated budgets.