Council reviews $160,000 estimate for smaller ADA-compliant deck at Mill House Museum, asks for second estimate

The Occoquan Town Council discussed a proposal to build a deck behind the Mill House Museum intended to serve as an event space and Riverwalk connection.

Town Manager Adam Linn said staff had earlier received an estimate near $400,000 for a larger commercial-grade deck that would extend into the water, then obtained a smaller commercial contractor estimate of about $160,000 for a scaled, ADA-compliant deck that included engineering services. Linn said the smaller proposal would provide a meaningful public amenity while longer-term Riverwalk grant funding remains uncertain.

Councilmembers pressed for more detail. Councilmember Eliot Perkins asked for clarification about differences between estimates; Perkins and others recommended getting a second bid and adding electrical outlets if the space will be used for events. Vice Mayor Jenn Loges raised security concerns about the rear, secluded portion of the proposed deck; Councilmember Cindy Fithian asked about protections against cost overruns. Linn said the proposal was based on a fixed-price contract and noted the Town maintained approximately $700,000 in reserves, which he said would not be exhausted by the project.

No contract award was made at the meeting. Council directed staff to obtain a second estimate, to request more detailed pricing for electrical work and lighting, and to return with recommendations on safety, historic-appropriateness of connections to the museum, and cost controls.

What happens next: Staff to solicit at least one additional estimate and to report back with cost and safety details before any contract approval.