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Board allocates $2.5 million more to county morgue project after specialist cost estimates
Summary
The board approved a $2.5 million contingency allocation to raise the construction budget for the planned Mojave County morgue and forensic lab after an architect’s cost estimator returned a specialized lab estimate of about $5.8M (total ~$6.15M with contingency).
The board approved a $2.5 million increase to the capital improvement project budget for converting the former traffic‑control building into a Mojave County morgue and forensic laboratory.
Director Leoski presented the project: design is complete and staff had applied for building permits. A third‑party cost estimator retained by the architect estimated construction at roughly $5.8 million for the specialized laboratory buildout; adding a 5% contingency and 1% administrative fee produced a construction budget estimate near $6.15 million — about $2.5 million above the project’s funded construction budget. Staff explained that specialized mechanical systems, autopsy and cold‑room equipment, and other laboratory requirements drive higher per‑square‑foot costs than conventional county office construction.
Board members and staff reviewed value engineering steps that had already been taken and noted the county maintains CIP contingency funds from prior projects that are available for such adjustments. After discussion, the board approved amending the CIP contingency allocation by $2.5 million to cover the revised construction estimate.
What happens next: Staff will complete permit processing, proceed to bidding on the revised scope, and use the allocated contingency to address contractor bids or necessary scope adjustments. Staff noted past projects have come in below some estimates and will continue due diligence during procurement.
Vote: The motion to increase the allocation to $2.5 million passed by voice vote.
