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Commissioners approve $91,000 change order for Macon Middle School athletic building; sewer-gas at MMS and Nantahala remain concerns
Summary
The board approved a $91,000 change order to add low-voltage wiring and security cameras to the Macon Middle School athletic building by a 3-2 vote and discussed ongoing sewer-gas odors at the MMS gym and options for Nantahala School sewer service, including soil studies or a treatment plant.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on Nov. 14 to approve a $91,000 change order to install low-voltage wiring and security cameras for the new athletic building at Macon Middle School.
Jeff Neal of NOVUS Architects told the board that the wiring and cameras were not included in the original contract documents and that the change would not require redesign of the building; he asked the board to approve the installation with funding drawn from the project's contingency. Commissioner Shields made the motion, Commissioner Young seconded it, and the motion passed with Commissioners Shields, Young and Antoine voting in favor and Commissioner Shearl and Chairman Paul Higdon opposed.
"I represent the taxpayers and would not vote 'yes' as someone missed this in the scope of work," Chairman Higdon said during the discussion. The three commissioners who voted to approve said the space should be fully usable for athletics and instruction.
Separately, Todd Gibbs of Macon County Schools updated the board on two other facilities issues: an RFQ for the Macon Middle School track design, and persistent sewer-gas odors at the MMS gym. Gibbs said backflow preventers installed in a gym manhole have reduced the frequency and intensity of the odor, and the district plans to add a low-CFM fan to draw remaining gas out. "Sewer gas can kill you and there is no excuse to let this linger," Chairman Higdon said, urging immediate repair and recommending further investigation including a camera inspection and, if necessary, sealing identified breaks.
The board also discussed Nantahala School’s sewer problems and options that include contracting a local soil scientist to assess the feasibility of an on-site wastewater system or engaging a firm to design a treatment plant if on-site disposal is not viable.
Why it matters: The change order increases the athletic building budget by $91,000 on a project with an overall estimated cost of about $2.5 million; the board’s split vote underscores oversight concerns about contracting and project management. Continued sewer-gas problems at school facilities raise immediate health and safety concerns and require prompt technical fixes.
What happens next: The county will direct the contractor to proceed with wiring and cameras under the approved change order; school and county staff will pursue further investigation and remediation for sewer-gas reports and assess options for Nantahala School’s wastewater solution.
