Grant falls short of floor repair cost

By Janice Kurbjun
Times staff writer

A miscalculation in a recreation board grant application cost Carbon County School District 1 nearly $25,000.

The recreation board gave the school district $105,000 to replace the gym floor at Rawlins High School. Last week School Board members awarded a $102,100 contract to Ponder Construction to replace the floor. However, the school district has already spent money on design plans and bid packets and the money to pay those costs will now come from the district’s general maintenance fund, according to District 1 Business Manager Garry Goergen.

“They can’t return to the rec board and ask for money already spent,” said Pat Sheehan, board member and recreation board representative. “It’s against the rules.”

The floor design includes a contingency clause that allows for additional repairs if the construction firm discovers damage that would require the installation of a moisture-wicking mat. If the work needs to be done, RHS Activities Director Darlene O’Melia can apply for more grant money to cover the costs, estimated at $8,990.

Also at the meeting, School Board members:

• Approved a land exchange with the Carbon County Fair Board to make property lines congruent with a fence.

• Approved a new policy capping expenditures for student participation in competitive events that reinforce academic goals at $10,000 for students in grades six to 12.

• Awarded a $251,310 contract to Hutch’s Hi-Country Plumbing and Heating to replace the boiler in the small gym at RHS. The contract is significantly above the anticipated $80,000 cost of the project.