Because bids for the Senior Center expansion came in over budget, the Select Board voted this week to appropriate $80,000 from various town accounts to cover the gap.
The actual difference between the lowest bid and the project budget is $97,687. The budget was set at $546,322, which includes $508,322 in FY11 CDF funding and a $40,000 commitment from the town for additional roof reinforcement work to accommodate future municipal expansion. The lowest bid of $646,009 – which is a bid of $635,000 plus $11,009 for alternate work including a partition and wood floor – was made by Evergreen Construction of Springfield.
The second lowest bid was just one percent higher at $649,602 from Kurtz, Inc. of Westfield. A bid of $683,945 was made by RAC Builders of Agawam, and Saico Construction of Pittsfield bid $707,038.
James M. Mazik of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission told the board the bids were “probably realistic of the cost”. Mazik said the board had a few options, including rejecting the bids and going out for a second bid round, or put in place funding to meet the low bid.
“As there is very little to eliminate from this project other than the alternate for room partition and wood floors, a re-bid would not guarantee a reduction in cost and would, in fact, take more money out of the project due to additional architect fees, production of new plans and specifications and legal advertising,” said Mazik, adding that could reduce the budget at least $5,000.
Mazik said the budget includes cost for an administrator, which he said could be handled without the $30,000 expense. The total base cost needed is about $49,000, said Mazik, plus funds for the alternate and contingencies to total approximately $80,000.
Town Accountant Linda Carr said there are several areas within the town budget where funds could be used, including $18,369 of uncommitted program funds from Community Development Block Grants. Carr identified $49,950 in a salary budget, $10,000 in unused winter roads funds and $44,000 in a road machinery line item.
The board asked audience members at the meeting their thoughts on the project and use of local funds. “It’s worth it,” said one resident, while another said “We’ve waited a long time for this.”
A motion was made to ask the town to appropriate the funds at the May 15 Special Town Meeting.
