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Commission votes to resume White Rock Power work after scope overrun
Summary
Carter County commissioners voted to resume work on the White Rock Power project—about 90% complete—so engineers can determine which changes exceeded the original contract after reported cost growth from figures cited at $650,000 to roughly $1.3 million. The motion passed; payments for unauthorized work will be withheld pending review.
Carter County commissioners voted to resume construction on the White Rock Power project so engineers can finish the site and determine what work was authorized and what exceeded the contract.
A county staff member told the commission a letter from the project engineers and managers recommended restarting work because the project is roughly 90% complete and only by finishing the site can the county ascertain which portions of the work were authorized. The staff member said the project’s estimated cost has grown during construction; participants in the discussion referenced an original budget figure of $650,000 that later was reported to have reached about $1.3 million, while one cited earlier bid paperwork showed $488,000.
Commissioners raised contract and oversight concerns. One commissioner asked why the contractor was allowed to go beyond contract specifics; the staff member said the on‑site inspector had reportedly tried to stop further work but the contractor continued. The county attorney noted potential legal exposure involving the engineering firm, the contractor or other parties and recommended handling specifics outside the public meeting record.
Commissioner Frasier moved to resume work and Commissioner W. seconded. The motion carried.
Officials said no payments will be approved for work determined to be outside the contract until the project is completed and the project manager and county staff can review submitted payment requests and documentation to separate authorized change orders from unauthorized work. Commissioners also noted the U.S. Forest Service could issue a stop‑work order if the agency determines work exceeded its approvals. Staff emphasized the road must be completed before equipment can be installed and that, if the tower is not finished, the related network equipment cannot be installed before the end of the year.
Next steps recorded by staff include permitting the contractor to finish work so the county and the project manager can compile and review all purchase orders and payment requests, then determine which overages are legitimate and which will be denied or subject to dispute.
