Commissioners approve CSB change order using ARPA encumbrance; request clearer agenda language

Kelly (Purchasing) presented Change Order No. 5 to CSB, explaining the action uses owner‑controlled contingency funds that were encumbered to satisfy ARPA reporting requirements. Several commissioners expressed concern that the term "change order" suggests an increase to project cost when, in this case, money is being moved from one encumbrance pocket to another rather than adding new funding.

Commissioner B said, "This change orders language is terrible. It just looks bad," and other members sought clearer wording to show that the action does not increase the project's total cost and that no additional funding source is needed. County staff agreed to work with purchasing to add clarifying language to future agendas and to note that the scope of the project stays the same. The court approved the item while directing staff to revise agenda wording to improve transparency.