TIRZ board directs engineering to begin value‑engineering and cost estimates for Augustine Avenue improvements

The City of Laredo Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 board voted March 10 to ask city engineering, with consultant KCI, to prepare updated design drawings, a probable-cost estimate and a competitive solicitation for Augustine Avenue improvements consistent with the currently available budget.

Board members said the goal is to move quickly so funds—some aging bond proceeds estimated at about $1 million—are spent on active projects rather than sit idle. Staff noted contingency constraints tied to other projects and reimbursement timing, and emphasized that design changes will focus on cost drivers such as choice of surface materials and necessary drainage work.

During discussion, staff and KCI representatives explained that the nine‑block design package already exists and that engineering would perform value engineering to identify lower‑cost materials and configurations (for example, reducing full‑paver areas in favor of concrete with brick accents). KCI cautioned that reusing older bricks proved costlier in prior estimates because storage and matching issues made replacement more expensive than new material.

A board member moved that staff begin value engineering and prepare a cost estimate reflecting what the Zone can realistically afford; another board member seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. The board did not record individual roll‑call tallies in the transcript.

Next steps: staff will work with finance to set an available‑budget figure, direct KCI to complete value‑engineering alternatives, and return draft bid documents and cost estimates for the board’s review before advertising.