Board agrees informally to upgrade McKinley project to underground electrical service

Contractor and county project staff told the Boone County Board on July 31 they recommend converting the McKinley projects electrical service from overhead to underground. Project consultant Randy Darnell (for CCS) said the overhead option would cost about $25,000 while underground service would increase the scope by about $31,000; staff recommended the underground installation to match planned site improvements.

Project staff noted the board had previously approved overhead service and that choosing underground would require a change order estimated at roughly $56,000 when combined with previously approved work. Because the item was not listed on the meeting agenda, the board did not take a formal vote that night; Chairman Carl Johnson and several board members expressed no objection and staff said the change falls within the countys existing change order authority and they would proceed accordingly.

Board member remarks supported the underground choice as appropriate given other building improvements. Staff said the project team will document the change order and proceed with the underground service under existing procurement and change‑order processes.

Ending — The board signaled no objection to the underground electrical service; staff will process the formal change order consistent with the countys change order authority and procurement rules.