WORCESTER – City Manager Ed Augustus will ask the City Council on Tuesday night to approve a loan order for $23 million to cover additional construction costs at the new Doherty Memorial High School.
According to Augustus’ communication to the City Council, material costs on the project have increased ranging from 10% to 90% in just four months, resulting in a budget overage.
The total budget voted by the Massachusetts School Building Authority was $293.3 million and the City Council has previously approved three loans to fund the project.
According to a communication from the city’s Chief of Public Facilities, Julie Lynch, the city’s “estimate based on the 90% construction documents underestimates current market conditions.”
Overall, the project saw a 30% increase, but the city says they took measures to close the gap, including removing the rooftop solar power system, sports lighting and landscape amenities, and reducing the owner’s contingency by $7 million.
The project budget is also responsible for covering electricity costs at the facility from the start of the construction process to receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy, which is estimated at roughly $1.67 million.
The City Council meets Tuesday night at 6:30 PM. To join virtually, click here.
