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Farnsworth Group pitches grant-heavy, communication-first engineering approach to Shabbona
Summary
Farnsworth Group told the Shabbona board it emphasizes grant-seeking, QA/QC and a project-captain model for small municipalities, and said many common communications (emails, calls) are not charged to clients.
Representatives from Farnsworth Group presented their municipal engineering approach and said the firm prioritizes grants, communication and quality assurance. The presenter described Farnsworth as a long-established firm with regional offices and said staff would include a designated project captain supported by specialists.
Farnsworth told the board it routinely helps small communities secure funding through state revolving funds (SRF) and other programs, and that engineering costs tied to grant-funded projects are often reimbursed under SRF rules. The presenter also described an internal QA/QC review process and said the firm carries errors-and-omissions insurance to address negligent mistakes when they occur.
On billing, Farnsworth said it favors lump-sum proposals for defined projects and will tailor construction-observation and travel costs into agreements to limit surprises. “Communication and transparency” were repeated as central commitments; the presenter said monthly reports and clear scope documents would accompany invoices.
The board asked about prior local work and whether Farnsworth limits charges for routine communications; the firm responded that emails, phone calls and text messages typically are not billed. The board did not take action; members asked for follow-up cost proposals and references.
