Board approves $37,000 amendment to landfill construction contract to cover material-price increases

MADAM CHAIR: The board approved an amendment to the previously awarded landfill construction contract with Pratt's Affordable Excavation to cover about $37,000 in additional materials costs for liner and geocomposite products.

Staff said the April 14 contract award was for approximately $4.4 million and that the project's engineer estimated $4.6 million. The contractor first requested about $60,000 but, after sourcing alternatives, reduced the request to roughly $37,000, which staff attributed to rising resin prices used in specialized liner materials. Staff also noted the bid remained under the engineer's estimate even with the increase.

Commissioners asked whether the contractor anticipated further increases; staff said Pratt would secure materials if the board approved the amendment so additional increases would not be expected. Commissioners also discussed that some county construction contracts include fuel‑escalation clauses and that one-bid projects reduce competition for price comparisons, but staff emphasized the bid was still below budget.

Why it matters: The amendment covers specialized materials costs for landfill cell lining and closure work. Approving the increase preserves the project's schedule while keeping the overall cost under the engineer's estimate, according to staff.

Next steps: With the amendment approved, staff said Pratt would secure materials and proceed; staff will continue to monitor costs on county construction projects and use escalation provisions where applicable.