The Christian County Commission meeting on May 22, 2025, highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the construction of a new clinic, with a focus on managing costs and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The commission remains committed to opening the clinic by July, despite facing delays and additional expenses.

A significant topic of discussion was a change order that resulted in an increase of $37,031, which represents 1.4% of the total project cost. This increase was primarily due to the need for a backflow preventer to be relocated outside the building, a requirement imposed by the City of Ozark's code. The commission expressed concerns about the lack of communication and alignment with city regulations, which they believe could have been addressed earlier in the planning process.

Commission members emphasized the importance of collaboration with the City of Ozark to avoid future misunderstandings that could lead to additional costs for taxpayers. They acknowledged that while they are committed to following local codes, the discrepancies between county and city regulations need to be addressed to streamline future projects.

In addition to the backflow preventer issue, the meeting also covered changes to sidewalk and drainage plans, which were either postponed or removed from the current phase of construction. The commission is keen on ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed efficiently and within budget.

As the meeting concluded, the commission approved the change orders, signaling their determination to move forward with the project while keeping taxpayer interests at the forefront. The discussions underscored the need for ongoing dialogue between the county and city officials to foster a cooperative approach to development and infrastructure projects in the community.