Brooksville selects firms for impact-fee study and downtown revitalization design

The Brooksville City Council unanimously approved two procurement steps on March 16: selection of DTA Public Finance to perform the city’s impact-fee study and selection of Coastal Engineering Associates for engineering and design work on a previously awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) downtown revitalization project.

Procurement administrator Emily Bennett told the council five proposals were received for the impact-fee study and DTA had the highest evaluation score; the firm’s proposal listed a base cost of $59,930, $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses and a $6,000 contingency that would require approval before being spent. "The impact fee study is $59,930," Bennett said, adding the out-of-pocket expenses are included and contingency expenditure would be approved later.

Council approved moving forward with DTA and directed staff to negotiate a contract.

Bennett also presented the selection of Coastal Engineering Associates through an RFQ process for the CDBG-funded downtown revitalization work; Coastal scored highest in the evaluation process. The work will support the city’s previously awarded CDBG grant and will include milling and resurfacing of Main Street, sidewalk improvements across the CRA district, additional lighting, and hydrant replacements. The council authorized staff to obtain a final proposal from Coastal, begin negotiations and initiate the CDBG approval process required for federal funding.

All procurement recommendations passed by unanimous voice votes. Contract amounts will be finalized in the negotiation steps and, for the downtown work, CDBG approval must follow before a final agreement is executed.