Tarpon Springs approves $460,001.97 increase for Sponge Docks flood‑abatement design

Tarpon Springs commissioners voted unanimously June 9 to approve a $460,001.97 one‑time increase to the Stormwater Continuing Services Agreement to advance design work on multiple stormwater projects, principally the Sponge Docks Flooding Abatement — known locally as the Vault Project.

Janina Lewis, the city's procurement services director, told the board the additional funding "is necessary to advance the design phase of these critical flood mitigation and resiliency initiatives" and said the costs are anticipated to be "100% reimbursable through a combination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and a funding appropriation from the state of Florida."

Commissioners asked about timing and scope. Commissioner Eisner said the item "concerns me" because of schedule uncertainty and asked whether the project would extend for five years. City staff replied the design must be completed by February 2027 to secure the reimbursable funds, with construction likely to follow in 2028.

The board moved and seconded the item, then approved it on a roll‑call vote: Commissioner Weaver — yes; Commissioner Eisner — yes; Vice Mayor — yes; Mayor John Collins — yes. The motion did not record a named mover or seconder in the transcript.

The increase covers additional professional engineering and design services to keep the Sponge Docks project on schedule and to leverage federal and state funding with no expected long‑term impact on local funds, according to staff. The City will proceed with the consultant’s work to meet the February 2027 design completion deadline.

Next steps: staff will complete the design package to meet the grant timeline and return to the board as needed for implementation approvals.