Post Falls council wrestles with fine print of facility repairs

POST FALLS — A City Council discussion over reclamation facility improvements offered some insight into the nuances of project bidding and contingency funding.

Last month, Post Falls initiated an odor control project at its water reclamation facility to replace biofilter materials. Utility manager Craig Borrenpohl requested an additional 10% construction contingency fund for the $481,040.45 project, sparking a substantive discussion about municipal budgeting practices.

Councilor Samantha Steigleder expressed concern about the potential perception of predetermined budget adjustments. 

"Sometimes this format makes it look like, as a city, we're already agreeing to pay more money," she said.

Public works director John Beacham said contingency funds, while not always used, provide flexibility for municipal projects. 

He said that while some city projects finish under budget, contingency funds can ultimately save money by preventing project delays. 

"If you have to stop the project, you pay for everybody to show up at work and not work," he said.

Attempting to account for every potential issue would complicate bidding processes and potentially deter competitive proposals, he said. 

"We don't want to pay for perfect plans," Beacham said.

The current project involves replacing wood chips in the biofilter, which naturally help control facility odors. When removing the old material, contractors discovered a few tears in the lining. An assessment determined these could be addressed during the next biofilter update in 7-10 years, with Douglas fir wood chips providing interim odor mitigation.

    The biofilter and odor control project in Post Falls is utilizing Douglas fir wood.