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Commission declines immediate payment on disputed AT&T change order; staff to negotiate
Summary
Commissioners debated an AT&T change order for removal of a pole at the new fire station after staff said the final invoice rose substantially from estimates; the mayor and several commissioners asked staff to negotiate and seek AT&T's agreement with the pole owner rather than approve payment immediately.
The commission heard debate over a change order from AT&T Southeast for removing a utility pole at the new fire station. Commissioner Ross urged rejecting the bill, describing a history in which FPU moved the pole at no charge and AT&T later imposed an unexpectedly high invoice; Ross said the company had increased the bill from an initial $50,000 estimate to a demanded $29,000 and then raised it further.
City staff said the contract language allows for field adjustments and change orders and that AT&T is likely to seek payment, but that the city is in a position to negotiate rather than immediately accept the full amount. After discussion the commission did not vote to pay the change order and directed staff to pursue negotiations and request AT&T’s contract with the pole owner (FPU) to clarify responsibilities. "If you wanna negotiate it, it's better for us to allow staff to do that and tell us to do that," the clerk said. Commissioners suggested the city pursue reimbursement or further justification of corporate overage charges.
