Cascade County reviews change orders to complete county network loop

Cascade County public works on Nov. 19 described three change orders intended to complete the county’s network loop by adding smurf tubing and 24‑count fiber to several county buildings.

Les Payne, Cascade County public works director, presented the three Rocky Mountain Contractors items: Contract 25-164 (a boring change order to add smurf tubing from building foundation entry points and push 24‑count fiber to network rooms in the Annex, Courthouse and Executive Plaza; additional cost $31,360.80; revised total project cost $66,990.80), Contract 25-165 (adding smurf tubing, 24‑count fiber and additional conduit at MT ExpoPark; additional cost $12,092; total $29,167), and Contract 25-166 (install smurf piping and 24‑count fiber between 3800 and 3820 at the Cascade County Sheriff’s office; total cost $17,058). Payne presented background and answered questions from Chairman Jim Larson about scope and locations.

The work session minutes record these items as agenda matters for the board to consider; the work session itself does not record a formal vote or approval. The minutes note that Contract 25-166 was moved to the agenda. No public comment was offered on the network items during the work session.

If the board moves the items to a formal agenda for action, the contracts would change the county’s project costs as listed; the work session record does not show a final approval or execution of the change orders.