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Cleburne council approves $660,000 change order for Municipal Service Center amid questions
Summary
Council approved a change order to the Municipal Service Center job order contract to cover a generator (~$245,000), electrical panels (~$175,000) and project management (~$240,000), increasing the project total from $2.9M to about $3.56M; the vote on the change order was 4–1 after public opposition cards were noted.
The Cleburne City Council approved a change order to the job order contract for the Municipal Service Center (the former bank building), adding roughly $660,000 in scope that was not included in the original $2.9 million estimate.
City staff said three major items were identified during demolition and early construction work that were not included in the initial not-to-exceed estimate: a standby generator (just under $245,000), replacement of aging electrical panels found not to meet current code (just under $175,000), and a project-management line item (about $240,000) to provide on-site coordination given the fast pace and multiple trades working on the site. Staff described the project as a job order contract (JOC) delivery method intended to speed delivery while controlling cost. Funding is available from the City of Cleburne combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation, series 2025.
Councilmembers pressed staff on why the generator and panels were missed and questioned the magnitude of the project-management fee. One councilmember said, “You can’t miss something like a backup generator,” and another said the $240,000 project-management line felt “like a pretty big miss.” Staff replied the electrical condition became apparent only after demo removed finishes and allowed a full inspection; the generator was identified as necessary for resilience for the public-facing services the building will house; and interest earnings and existing fund allocations will help cover cost increases.
Three registered public commenters were recorded opposing the change order. After debate, the council approved the change order by a 4–1 vote. Council then separately approved a furniture purchase (up to $355,000) from Martin Office Solutions under a TIPs cooperative contract to outfit the building; that furniture resolution passed unanimously.
City staff said expected occupancy for municipal services is planned for the start of fiscal year 2027, and the renovation timeline was described as roughly 12–18 months for completion depending on schedule and scope.
