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Board delays approval of Health Department expansion change order pending more information
Summary
Supervisors on April 6 delayed action on a $157,911.60 change order to the Mortenson‑Cuningham contract for the Health Department expansion after questions about unexpected staging, phasing costs, and late appearance of the change order; motion to continue carried 5‑0.
Yuma County engineers asked the Board on April 6 to authorize a $157,911.60 change order extending the contract with Mortenson‑Cuningham for the Health Department expansion and renovation (CIP 2.1905). Supervisor Jonathan W. Lines questioned why staging and phasing costs were needed after contract award and whether water‑related damage discovered during construction had been fully remediated.
Project manager Alan Quintero explained the project required additional phasing because anticipated swing space (including a University of Arizona area) was not vacated on the originally planned schedule, increasing mobilizations and time on site; he said any water‑damaged materials (carpet and exposed areas) had been removed and replaced and that substantial completion was targeted for the coming Friday.
Given the late timing of the change order and lingering questions about contingent obligations and phasing costs, the Board voted (Lines/Simmons) to continue further discussion pending more detailed information; the motion carried 5‑0.
Why it matters: Change orders can materially increase project cost and schedule; supervisors asked for more detailed timelines, a breakdown of extra mobilization costs, and an explanation of why contingencies were insufficient or unspent.
What’s next: Staff will return with a detailed timeline, itemized change‑order cost breakdown and clarification of contingency use before the Board considers approval.
