Advisory committee recommends funding ODOT review escrow for Mount Adams roundabout

Committee members voted on June 18 to recommend that the agency board release a prepaid review account to the Oregon Department of Transportation for the Mount Adams roundabout so state review work can continue. Staff said ODOT routinely requests an upfront escrow for locally delivered projects and that the city has budgeted $150,000 for Mount Adams professional services in the next fiscal year.

"ODOT, in order to continue reviewing the Mount Adams roundabout is asking for a $115,000 in a prepaid account, and this is normal," Will (staff presenter) told the committee, and he asked for feedback. Committee member (S6) moved that the advisory committee support replenishing the escrow so the project would not be delayed; Committee member (S2) seconded the motion. Staff provided the exact requested amount – $115,048.56 – and said the agency typically charges a 25% contingency but had waived it in this case.

The committee voiced no opposition and the chair indicated support to proceed with recommending the payment to the agency board. Staff noted the expenditure will draw heavily on the next fiscal year's professional services budget and may accelerate a plan to borrow in the next fiscal year to cover design work.

Why it matters: releasing the escrow keeps the Mount Adams roundabout design and review on schedule; delaying the payment risks slowing state review and delaying subsequent construction steps.

What's next: staff will forward the recommendation to the agency board for formal approval and update the committee on budget implications.