Comal County approves structural changes and $3.35M change order for mental‑health unit

County staff told the court that unanticipated subsurface conditions required redesign of the mental‑health unit’s foundation: piers originally designed for about 33 feet must be extended to 50 feet and cased because of groundwater and clay.

"As they started digging these piers, they encountered groundwater and clay conditions that were not known at the time," the project manager said when presenting an amendment to the architect's contract to cover $3,700 in additional design services. The court approved the amendment.

Staff then presented Change Order No. 3 from the Trevino Group to cover the structural work. The change order adds approximately $3.34–$3.45 million to the contract (transcript lists $3,344,498.86 and an expanded figure later described as $3,445,572.91), to be paid from remaining project contingency and ARPA interest earnings. The change also extends substantial completion by 85 days to Oct. 2, 2026. "This is a sizable change order," staff said, recommending approval; the court approved it on a voice vote.

Staff said contingency remaining on the project will be exhausted by this change and that the architect and contractor have reviewed the costs. The project continues as a county-funded capital improvement intended to add residential and observation capacity for mental-health care.