Taylor council approves change order to pave Beechcraft Loop despite higher unit prices

Taylor — The Town Council on Jan. 8 approved a change order for Western Grade to pave Beechcraft Loop, increasing unit prices and adding material and mobilization costs so work can proceed immediately.

Town Manager Gus Lundberg outlined the requested change order: an additional 298 tons at $198 per ton (the first 20% of asphalt remained at the prior $142/ton rate), and an increase from $33 to $46 per linear foot for 840 linear feet of curb work. The contractor cited extra labor for compaction and testing, mobilization and demobilization, the mobilization of a concrete curb machine, and additional signage and stop‑bar work as reasons for higher unit costs.

Council members debated whether to wait for a re-bid; Lynn Dewitt warned about high mobilization numbers and questioned whether they reflect true costs, while Jason Brubaker asked about the mobilization charge specifically. Council ultimately judged that delaying the work could produce worse outcomes and agreed the contractor’s current mobilization justified proceeding. Vice Mayor Bill Baldwin moved to accept the change order; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters Approving the change order accelerates pavement work that officials said could be completed by the end of January if accepted; waiting for a new bid packet could delay the project until March or April and risk additional wear from winter weather and vehicle traffic.

What’s next Manager Lundberg and Public Works will proceed with the change order implementation and coordinate with the contractor; the council recorded unanimous approval.