Council awards $4.97 million GMP to WJ Construction for new building department, approves $250,000 interfund loan
October 22, 2025 | West Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida
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The City of West Melbourne’s council on Oct. 21 authorized a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract with WJ Construction Corp. not to exceed $4,972,129 to construct a combined building department, council chambers and related city offices, and approved a related interfund loan to cover a funding shortfall. Council approved both actions by voice votes recorded as 7-0.
City staff member Mr. Petrone described the design‑build selection process, saying WJ Construction received the highest overall score after written and oral proposals were evaluated. He explained the project went from a single‑story design to a two‑story building with finished second‑floor offices including planning and zoning, city engineer and construction inspector spaces, and new council chambers. Petrone said the GMP includes specifications, plans and interior finishes and is a guaranteed maximum price that will not increase unless the city requests changes.
Funding for the project was described as a combination of a Community Development restricted fund balance ($3,904,278) and a general fund contribution ($1,067,851). Petrone said available balances left a shortfall of about $195,256; to cover that gap the staff recommended an intra‑fund loan of $250,000 from the general fund at 5.15% interest over five years with the first year interest only. Petrone noted the total funding package equals $5,026,873, which provides a small surplus and contingency totaling roughly $129,326 when combined with the builder’s 1.5% GMP contingency.
Councilmember Frampus moved to authorize the city manager to enter the GMP contract; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Council later moved and approved Resolution 2025-24 to authorize the $250,000 loan; that motion was made by Councilmember Volts and seconded by Councilmember Gaylord, and passed 7-0.
WJ Construction president Eric Costin addressed council, noting WJ’s municipal experience in Brevard County and promising to “not fail” on the project. Staff said the project schedule includes permit processing and an 11‑month construction window from the contractor’s notice to proceed, with the goal of substantial completion by about a year from approval if permitting proceeds on schedule. Council and staff said remaining color, projection and interior finish decisions will be resolved through workshops and follow-up meetings.
City staff member Mr. Petrone described the design‑build selection process, saying WJ Construction received the highest overall score after written and oral proposals were evaluated. He explained the project went from a single‑story design to a two‑story building with finished second‑floor offices including planning and zoning, city engineer and construction inspector spaces, and new council chambers. Petrone said the GMP includes specifications, plans and interior finishes and is a guaranteed maximum price that will not increase unless the city requests changes.
Funding for the project was described as a combination of a Community Development restricted fund balance ($3,904,278) and a general fund contribution ($1,067,851). Petrone said available balances left a shortfall of about $195,256; to cover that gap the staff recommended an intra‑fund loan of $250,000 from the general fund at 5.15% interest over five years with the first year interest only. Petrone noted the total funding package equals $5,026,873, which provides a small surplus and contingency totaling roughly $129,326 when combined with the builder’s 1.5% GMP contingency.
Councilmember Frampus moved to authorize the city manager to enter the GMP contract; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Council later moved and approved Resolution 2025-24 to authorize the $250,000 loan; that motion was made by Councilmember Volts and seconded by Councilmember Gaylord, and passed 7-0.
WJ Construction president Eric Costin addressed council, noting WJ’s municipal experience in Brevard County and promising to “not fail” on the project. Staff said the project schedule includes permit processing and an 11‑month construction window from the contractor’s notice to proceed, with the goal of substantial completion by about a year from approval if permitting proceeds on schedule. Council and staff said remaining color, projection and interior finish decisions will be resolved through workshops and follow-up meetings.
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