Washoe County approves $20.3M guaranteed maximum price and $5.35M allowance for children’s behavioral health remodel

On Feb. 10 the Washoe County Board voted unanimously to approve a guaranteed maximum price construction agreement with Plenium Builders for the Washoe Children’s Behavioral Health Remodel not to exceed $20,325,158 and to authorize a project allowance of $5,350,000 for furnishings, fixtures, equipment and security systems. County staff said the allowance items are necessary for project delivery and that the county manager would be authorized to execute amendments and change orders within the approved framework.

Duane Smith, director of engineering and capital projects, described this as the second and final GMP for the project. He said the first GMP (approved in August 2025) covered initial demolition and preparatory work; this final GMP consolidates remaining work to shorten the schedule and limit escalation. The construction completion date shown in project materials is July 2, 2027.

Vice Chair Garcia moved approval, Commissioner Hill seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Commissioners and staff described the project as an important expansion of children’s behavioral-health capacity in Washoe County and thanked fundraising partners and staff who advanced the design and procurement phases.

The board authorized staff to issue an administrative notice to proceed and directed the county manager to execute the contracts and any necessary amendments consistent with the board’s authorization.