Community Center Running $1.1 Million More Than Expected

VIENNA, VA -- Following a public hearing, Town Council approved Monday night an amendment to the Town’s fiscal year 2016 operating budget, increasing it by $720,000, according to a news release from the Town.

The budget was amended to account for $620,000 in increased costs for the Vienna Community Center renovation and expansion project, currently under construction, as well as $100,000 in donations received from community organizations for the Waters Field turf replacement project that was completed this fall.

At this time, costs for the community center are expected to exceed the $10.4 million project budget adopted in August 2015 by about $1.1 million. The additional costs stem from unforeseen conditions and omissions as well as utility work and fees, easements, inspection services, and underestimated costs for items such as security, sound, and stage curtains, the Town said in a news release.

The 3 percent contingency fund for the community center project has been fully utilized, the Town said. The additional $620,000 being allocated through the amended 2016 operating budget comes from the Town’s fund reserves; even with the transfer of this $620,000, the Town’s general fund reserves are above 15 percent, the Town said.

Town hires project manager for Community Center renovation

“Our target is to maintain a reserve balance of at least 15 percent,” says Town Manager Mercury Payton. “We feel that’s an important standard.” He adds: “Soon after construction began on the community center renovation project, we realized that there were some important elements not accounted for. The Town has now hired an engineering professional to serve as project manager, and we feel confident that we have a good understanding of what additional costs will be necessary.”

While adjustments to the Town’s budget throughout the year are common, explains Finance Director Karen Spence, in cases where the change is greater than 1 percent of total budgeted expenditures, as is the case with additional community center expenses, state law requires that a local government advertise and hold a public hearing, the Town noted.