New utility work change saves city $82k

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Despite Pearsall councilors’ reservations over future costs, a recent change order for a wastewater utility project along Business IH-35 has resulted in a cost reduction of $82,000 for the city.
The change order, necessitated by a design glitch that required the relocation of a lift station, eventually led to the installation of a smaller four-inch line instead of the originally planned eight-inch line.

According to Public Works Director Hector Gandara, the smaller line is ultimately a more cost-effective solution due to the congested nature of the existing utilities in the area.

“This is a reduction to overall cost,” Gandara told councilors during a Tuesday, January 13, meeting. “Originally we were going to install an eight-inch line. When that did not happen, because of a glitch in the design, we had to move over the lift station. The smaller line ultimately results in savings.”

The change order also adds four additional gate valves to the utility lines.

City councilors sought clarification from the public works director on the necessity of the change order.

“In the original design we were limited in valves, but given the length of the project, we figured we would install four additional valves,” Gandara said. “The city recommended this change.”

City Manager Federico Reyes emphasized his commitment to transparency, noting that the council will be kept informed of all change orders, whether favorable or unfavorable.

The recent change order is the third for the ongoing project.

CDM Smith representative Rebecca Watkins, speaking for the third-party engineering firm hired by the city to oversee the project, explained that the original design was limited in terms of valves, but given the length of the project, it was deemed necessary to add the extra valves to ensure the system’s functionality.

“The reason we went to four-inch is because it was very congested with existing utilities,” Watkins said. “The contractor said it would be easier to get a four-inch forced main in that area rather than an eight-inch gravity line originally proposed.”

Councilor James Leal expressed frustration over the change order due to potential costly expenses in the event an individual decides to build in that area.

“We are saving money now, but what is it going to cost us in the future?” the councilor asked.

The contractor for the project is M5.