During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant delays in a construction project in Teton County, highlighting the complexities and challenges that have arisen. Commissioner Gardner raised concerns about the unusual delays associated with the project, noting that such setbacks are not uncommon in construction, particularly when unexpected issues arise during excavation.
The conversation shifted to the financial implications of these delays, with Commissioner Epstein emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential increase in project costs, which could rise by approximately 25%. He expressed the need for clarity regarding the role of WEMBA, the consulting firm overseeing the project, and how they plan to manage costs amidst these delays.
Commissioner Gardner further questioned the timeline for reporting any significant changes in project costs, indicating that transparency is crucial as the project evolves. The discussion revealed that the project has faced numerous challenges, including unexpected changes mandated by the town and difficulties in locating existing underground infrastructure, which have complicated the construction process.
Commissioner Gangrey pointed out that WEMBA, being relatively new to the project, needs to establish a more consistent reporting structure to keep the commission informed about progress and budget status. He suggested that the owner's representative should present updates regularly to ensure accountability and clarity.
The meeting concluded with a motion to postpone the discussion on the change order related to WEMBA until the next meeting, allowing time for further conversations with the consulting firm to address the concerns raised. The motion was unanimously approved, reflecting a collective commitment to ensuring the project's financial and operational integrity moving forward.