BOCC authorizes up to $700M in utility bonds; approves large water and wastewater contract modifications

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a supplemental resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $700,000,000 in utility system revenue bonds to finance One Water campus capital improvements and to refinance interim indebtedness. Kevin Bricky (Management & Budget) told the board the transaction is projected to generate about "4.075% net savings or 650,000 annually." The motion carried 7-0.

Earlier the board approved staff recommendations to modify two major water and wastewater contracts: George Cassidy (Public Utilities) requested approval of the fifth modification to the progressive design-build agreement with Garnet Companies, "increasing the contract amount by approximately $586,000,000" and keeping the first phase completion date in 2028 with an initial 8,000,000-gallon capacity online. The board also approved the first modification to Jacobs Engineering Group's professional services agreement, increasing it by about $7,200,000 to complete final design and permitting for Phase B of the South County drinking water facility. Staff said funding for these modifications is available in approved capital budgets and that participation goals for disadvantaged and women-owned enterprises remain in place.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about schedules, minority-business participation (staff said project achievement is nearly 24% compared with a 14% goal) and budget adjustments; all motions passed unanimously.