Christian County Commissioners approved three change orders across separate county construction projects, totaling $117,023.36, and discussed the need for improved coordination with the City of Ozark to avoid future added costs.

The commission approved a campus project change order (listed as change order 0106) for $67,992.36, described in the meeting as roughly 3.9 percent of the related contract. Great River Engineering's David Lutz explained the largest item was required after the roadway approach to Jackson Street was redesigned to meet City of Ozark street standards; lowering the approach reduced cover over a large 12-inch water main and the city requested installation of an 18-inch steel casing across the full roadway width so the main could be routed beneath the approach. The work will require nighttime construction and traffic/watch details.

"It required us to lower the roadway," David Lutz said, describing how the existing temporary roadway did not meet city design standards. Commissioners pressed staff on when the discrepancy was discovered and whether alternatives had been explored. Lutz said the 18-inch casing was a city requirement and not an obvious cost-avoidance alternative.

The commission also approved a building contractor (DeWitt) change order of $37,031, described as 1.4 percent of that contract. That change included time-related costs tied to weather and rock breaking, minor sidewalk and downspout adjustments (credits applied), and a requirement to locate a backflow preventer outside the structure in a below-grade concrete vault to satisfy the City of Ozark's code. County staff said the county had used its own plan review and inspections but was reliant on the city to turn on water service, which created the need to meet the city's code at this connection.

A separate maintenance change order to replace a warped, non-gas-tight manhole cover in the jail service bay was approved for $12,000; the work includes installing a bolt-down, gas-tight precast concrete slab recessed to remove a trip hazard and was described by staff as not requiring jackhammering of limestone, keeping the project under budget overall.

Commissioners voiced frustration that city and county standards differed on elements such as backflow locations and roadway approach details and urged a meeting between county and city planning and development staff or elected officials to align expectations on future projects. "I think we need to have a meeting of people between the city and the county," Presiding Commissioner Lemon Morris said.

Each change order was approved by motion and voice vote.