Committee member says makerspace project about $1.2 million over budget

A committee member raised a funding shortfall on a makerspace-related project, saying the effort may need extra time and funds and that it was "approximately" $1.2 million over the previously allocated amount. The speaker described the figure as an estimate and framed it as a reason to pause and consider options before authorizing work.

Erica and other members said the group should treat the matter formally in a meeting rather than through email. Speaker 2 asked for confirmation of the shortfall and noted the meeting memo outlines possible sources to cover the gap. "We will connect with the low bid contractor," Speaker 2 said, adding that staff would report back in writing if the contractor conversations produce usable options.

The council asked staff to revisit five or six areas of the contract with the contractor to see whether costs can be reduced or reallocated. No formal motion or vote was recorded on this item during the excerpted discussion; members agreed to have the topic return to the next work session with a staff memo explaining options.