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Council OKs site survey and geotechnical study for elementary school project to save escalation costs
Summary
To speed the school design process and reduce construction-cost escalation, the council authorized up to $57,225 for TSKP to perform site surveying, geotechnical investigation and wetlands delineation at the proposed new elementary school site, with costs to be reimbursed from future bond proceeds.
The Wethersfield Town Council voted Oct. 6 to authorize TSKP to conduct a site survey, geotechnical investigation and wetlands delineation at the proposed elementary school site for an amount not to exceed $57,225.
Town Manager explained the decision as a timing and cost-saving measure tied to the recently approved school bond program: by completing geotechnical and site-survey work now, the town can shorten later design timelines and potentially save on escalation — staff estimates that each month of delay could increase project costs materially. "If we do the geotechnical investigation, it will probably save us two to three months on the back end," the town manager said.
Councilors asked how the work would be funded; the town manager said the town will front the cost from the general fund and reimburse itself with bond proceeds once borrowing begins in phases (likely late 2026 or early 2027), and that debt service payments would begin later in the schedule. The manager explained the town intends to borrow incrementally for project phases rather than take the full authorized bond amount at once.
The motion passed. Staff said awarding the work now will allow architects and engineers to use that data to proceed with designs before winter, shortening the overall schedule and limiting escalation risk.
