The San Luis City Council approved a $198,074 change order for the Fourth Avenue and 20 Second Avenue roadway improvement project and authorized a budget transfer to fund the additional work, Public Works staff told the council.

City Engineer Thomas Sanchez and Public Works Director El Nogio Vera said the change order covers additional paving quantities where sections of the roadway were more deteriorated than originally estimated. Sanchez said the original estimate did not include all of the failing pavement because including it initially made the project estimate “too high,” and that some of the additional work will be completed in-house to reduce costs. Vera and staff said equipment for the project has been ordered and the purchase order is encumbered.

Council members expressed reservations about spending but also noted that delaying maintenance could increase future costs. One council member said not doing the work now could make future costs “3 or 4 times more.” Staff noted a square-yard unit cost of $29 in the change order and compared it to higher historical per-square-yard costs seen in 2023. A motion to approve the change order for DPA Construction Inc. in the amount of $198,074 carried by voice vote.

Council members emphasized the intent to save money and reduce future roadway disruptions by addressing deteriorated sections now; staff indicated remaining work would be performed by city crews.