Senior Center addition bids come in far above estimates; board accepts low bids conditionally and seeks funding options

The Town Board opened bids and conditionally accepted low bids for the Henrietta Senior Center building‑addition project June 11 but warned the winning general construction bid and trade bids were substantially higher than expected.

Supervisor Schultz told the board the low general‑contract bid was roughly double earlier estimates. "This one came in about 100% over additional construction costs," he said, noting tariffs, global supply pressures and general inflation as contributing factors. The board accepted the bids so procurement rules would allow contract negotiations, but members and staff repeatedly cautioned that contracts will be subject to further review and a first addendum because the town currently has far less cash on hand than the bids require.

Staff said approximately $1 million in town or available funding is currently identified, and the project manager and board discussed value‑engineering options — removing design features, changing finishes, or completing the project in phases such as doing either the kitchen expansion or the dining‑hall extension now and the other later. The town will pursue potential grant/partner funding and private fundraising to close the shortfall; staff will return with revised contract language and options for board approval.

The board also awarded mechanical, plumbing and electrical contracts to the low bidders with the same conditional language pending final contract execution, code questions (sprinkler system work), and further review of whether full building upgrades are required or only work for the new addition.