March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Greenville selectmen check cost overrun> Contractor says extra work was needed

GREENVILLE — Selectmen expressed concern about $26,615 in extra work that a contractor believed was warranted on the industrial park improvement project.

Town officials had already approved $1,840 for extra paving and $4,675 for ledge removal, which was in excess of the $324,540 bid contract with Frank Woodworth Inc.

The latest request for $26,615 more, which represents extra loam, seed and mulch, filter fabric and excavation work, alarmed selectmen Wednesday.

They agreed that a joint meeting was necessary with the contractor, the town’s engineers, Sebago Technics, and selectmen.

Town Manager David Cota said the town’s engineers claimed that no change order for the extra work was warranted. While Woodworth has indicated a willingness to negotiate, Cota said, there are some disagreements. “These things happen. You’re going to run into conflicts,” he said.

All that remains of the $514,700 government grant for the industrial park project is $4,643, which includes the payment of $6,515 approved to Woodworth for the extra paving and ledge. The project has no contingency account.

Even if the town had to make up the disputed difference, Cota said, he believed voters would be supportive knowing that the town would receive $20,000 to $30,000 for each back lot sold. “I think you can justify it to taxpayers if we have to come up with extra funds,” he said.

The grant, consisting of federal and state funds, was for road improvements to the park in order to allow access to some of the back lots and for the replacement of a bridge over Wiggin Brook for $82,000.

Like most construction projects, the park project has had its ups and downs. When estimates for a wooden bridge were too high, plans shifted to a metal bridge. Bids for the metal bridge were also higher than anticipated and negotiations were held with the lowest bidders.


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