Commissioners approve construction-phase amendments for Franklin High School and Highlands school addition

The Macon County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 8 approved contract amendments that move two school projects into construction and project closeout.

Finance Director Lori Carpenter said the Franklin High School and stadium program has now reached the construction phase after prior approvals for design and bidding; the board approved an LS3P amendment of $4,231,491 that Carpenter said was budgeted from loan proceeds and a $62 million grant. The Franklin action carried unanimously after a motion from Commissioner Young and a second from Commissioner Antoine.

The board also approved the final phases of work for the Highlands Pre-K/Middle School addition. Carpenter requested approval of an $112,240 amendment to the LS3P contract and budget amendment #85 to appropriate the funds. Commissioner Young moved and Commissioner Shearl seconded; Commissioner Higdon asked about total architectural fees and Carpenter responded that LS3P’s total for the Highlands addition is $339,255, with a separate $45,901 fee charged for unrelated Highlands School renovations. The Highlands amendment passed 4–1, with Commissioner Higdon the lone dissenting vote.

Why it matters: The approvals authorize construction spending and move both projects toward implementation. Carpenter said that once a final guaranteed maximum price (GMP) is set for Franklin High School, a reconciliation will be performed against the contract amendments.

Next steps: Staff will proceed under the amended contracts, reconcile with the final GMP for Franklin High School when available, and present any procedural pass-through items to the board if required.