County committee backs $111,378 increase to architect contract for WRC schematic design

The committee voted unanimously to recommend a contract amendment that increases schematic design services for the Water Resources Commissioner's (WRC) facility project by up to $111,378 to cover additional consultant work and invoices.

Jim Nash, Water Resources Commissioner, introduced the item and said the original architect services contract dated to 2019; schematic-design services awarded in May 2025 totaled $744,546. Steve Cor, the commissioner’s chief manager, told commissioners that extra work by subconsultants — including additional stormwater planning, soil borings, topographic surveying and traffic studies — led to invoices beyond the previously authorized amount and the requested amendment.

"That's why we're here for the third amendment to the contract and... our plan is to come back to this committee next month with a presentation to show the results of our schematic design," Cor said. Nash and staff said the next formal step would be a design-development phase and a further amendment to cover that work, followed by bidding and construction procurement.

Commissioners asked whether certain tasks could be completed in-house; staff replied that agency technical staff supported and reviewed the work but lacked the capacity to perform the full specialty services required for a new facility. The committee recommended forwarding the amendment to the full board by a 7-0 vote.

The amendment was described as covering invoices and additional subconsultant scope to better define construction costs and project budget prior to design development.