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Board presses Bristol Burlington Health District to cover change orders on relocation project
Summary
Board members raised concern about unexpectedly high renovation costs for the Bristol Burlington Health District move and said the Health District — reported to carry a $2.7 million fund balance — must pay any change orders beyond the agreed project scope.
Board members scrutinized the Health District’s relocation and renovation at the former preschool space adjacent to the senior center after an unexpectedly high project price appeared in the public works project list.
A board member said they had met with the health director and purchasing agent, reviewed bids, and clarified submittal and change‑order procedures. The board noted the health district carries a reported $2,700,000 fund balance (described in the meeting as roughly 50% of its operating costs) and the chair stated the district would be expected to pay for any additional change orders or extras out of that balance. The board also noted the Health District pays rent under a lease that will require renegotiation when it comes due.
The board member who reviewed the bids said there were a significant number of bidders and no widespread bid anomalies, which indicated competitive pricing. The city will proceed as liaison to the project, and the board emphasized they did not want to set the Health District up for failure while preserving the city’s interest in controlling change orders.
The board voted to place the building committee project list on file and to continue oversight; Commissioner Hartley (acting as a liaison to the Health District project in the meeting discussion) will assist the Health District as the work proceeds. Next steps identified in the meeting: finalize the bid review, monitor change‑order requests, and schedule lease renegotiation as necessary.
