The only-daily newspaper struggled but found something in the Oct. 3 agenda to slam Escambia County government: Remodel of old Masonic Lodge in Brownsville runs nearly $700,000 over budget. Here’s why.
- The article blasts the county staff for already having two change orders, totaling $209,277, to deal with unexpected termite damage (241344 Vision CO#2 BU ) and asking for an additional $466,960 (Recommendation): “The changes range from increasing the stormwater capacity to prevent future flooding, replacing deteriorated brick lintels originally scheduled to remain as is, and moisture sealing the brick façade. Additionally, the bookshelves for the first floor will also be purchased.”
A two vital points:
- The additional expenses will be paid with the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), not General Fund dollars.
- Escambia County purchased the 70-year-old Masonic Lodge building in 2021 for $90,000.
COUNTY FIRES BACK
This time, the County administration isn’t quietly sitting on the sidelines and allowing the sensational headline to control the narrative. They have pointed out that the project is still under the original budget, even after the latest change order.
The Board of County Commissioners initially budgeted approximately $3.1 million for the project, and the BCC awarded a construction contract of approximately $2.1 million to Vision Construction of North Florida, Inc. for Brownsville Library renovations. Due to unforeseen issues related to the building’s age, including significant termite damage, an additional $466,990.46 is on the Thursday, Oct. 3 BCC agenda for approval.
If approved, the additional funding, along with two previously approved change orders, would bring the construction total to approximately $2.77 million, which remains under the $3.1 million budgeted for the project.
Escambia County purchased the old Masonic Lodge building, 3300 W. De Soto Street, to convert into a new 8,000-square-foot library and community space. It is expected to be completed by December 2024, with a grand opening to the public in early 2025. The first floor will feature a public library and café space, with a large multi-use space offered on the second floor for meetings, children’s programs and events.
- Escambia County was also awarded $350,000 in RESTORE Act funding for the design of a business incubator. The incubator will be constructed near the new library and will provide services and resources to business owners or anyone looking to start a new business.
Read more.
The Question that PNJ Ignored
Is this a worthy project for an economically depressed part of Escambia County?
Other media has thought it was:
WEAR-TV: Brownsville community set for revitalization with new library and sidewalk improvements