Capital Outlay committee approves $60,883 increase for health department construction administration; state funds to cover cost

The Coffee County Capital Outlay committee voted to approve a $60,883 increase to the construction-administration portion of the county's new health department project after hearing a presentation on the project's change orders and funding.

Chair criticized what he described as repeated small change orders and larger requests from the contractor and consultant, saying "Boyce and Ballard has nickeled and dimed us on change orders," and noting change-order sizes have ranged widely. He said the committee has been closely reviewing every request to protect Coffee County taxpayers.

A Saint John Engineering representative told the committee there have been 19 processed change orders and 27 requests for information (RFIs) on the job so far and that some additional requests are to be expected for a medical facility with HIPAA and fire-code requirements. The representative said the requested $60,883 increase would bring the construction-administration line up to a level that covers anticipated work through construction closeout.

"The state does have funds that will take care of this," the Mayor said during the discussion, and presenters reiterated the county would not be required to pay the increase from local tax revenues.

Committee member motioned to approve the amended amount and the motion passed by voice vote.

The committee directed staff to circulate the change-order documentation among committee members and to follow the state's required approval process before final execution. Presenters said they will continue to scrutinize change requests and push back on unnecessary charges while ensuring the project meets medical facility standards.

What happens next: The committee approved the amendment and staff will submit the required paperwork to state reviewers for final sign-off, and Saint John Engineering will continue to process outstanding RFIs and close out construction tasks.