Board approves not-to-exceed $750,000 authorization to upsize Mountain Ridge waterline; county utility to reimburse $150,000

The Berkeley County Schools Board authorized a not-to-exceed change order of $750,000 to upsize a waterline and progress related fire-suppression work at Mountain Ridge Primary, a measure board members approved May 18 to keep construction on schedule.

Project staff and the superintendent told the board the Mountain Ridge site initially called for a 12-inch water main, but the local water authority requested a 16-inch line. The Berkeley County Public Water Authority has agreed to reimburse $150,000 toward the extra pipe cost. Project managers described long lead times for a fire-suppression storage tank and emphasized urgency: approving the not-to-exceed change order will allow material orders to proceed while the project team continues to negotiate final contractor labor pricing.

Staff described the logistics to board members: upsizing the line affects trenching depth and width and requires coordination of fire hydrant placement. The change-order package was presented as a time-sensitive measure intended to prevent the loss of the critical August opening target by buying the long-lead items immediately and resolving final pricing later with the contractor.

Board members asked for clarification on what the change order covers and how costs are being apportioned; staff said the water authority will cover $150,000 and the district will pursue the remainder within the contract’s contingency and coordination with McKinley Architecture and the contractor. The board voted to approve the authorization to proceed under a not-to-exceed amount to avoid schedule slippage.

Next steps: staff will continue negotiations with the contractor on final labor/price details, finalize itemized costs for the board and report back with a final tally once negotiations conclude.