Behavioral health facility project receives cost credits
Published 4:00 pm Monday, June 8, 2026
Victoria County commissioners on Monday accepted more than $133,000 in credits tied to the ongoing Mental and Behavioral Health Facility project, part of construction adjustments and insurance savings identified by the county’s contractor.
During Monday’s commissioners court meeting, Interim County Engineer Avery Flessner explained that the credits come from SpawGlass Contractors Inc. and will remain within the project budget as part of an owner’s contingency structure.
“These are credits back to us for items that have either been negotiated or otherwise a change order back to the county,” Flessner said. “The funds will stay within the project.”
The credits total $133,404 and include three components: a $37,000 landscaping credit, a $3,150 reduction related to an internal sanitary sewer drop modification, and a $93,254 builder’s risk insurance policy credit tied to updated wind classification ratings for the region.
Flessner said the landscaping credit resulted from subcontractor buyout savings, while the sewer adjustment eliminated the need for deeper excavation and trench shoring. He said the insurance credit reflected revised risk classification appropriate for the county’s location.
Commissioners voted unanimously to receive the credits.
Email newsletter signup
Loading …
The court also considered a separate agenda item involving the procurement of building commissioning services for the same Mental and Behavioral Health Facility project.
Flessner said the county received 20 statements of qualification through its procurement platform, BidBeacon, with 15 firms deemed qualified for scoring. He said the strong response reflected a clearly defined request for qualifications and widespread contractor interest.
“I think that gives contractors a lot of confidence,” Flessner said, adding that the county’s process demonstrated it is a “responsible owner.”
The top-ranked firm, Tom Green and Company Engineers Inc., was recommended for the award. Commissioners authorized staff to begin contract negotiations.
Flessner said the commissioning firm will play a key role in ensuring building systems operate as designed, including mechanical systems, controls and post-occupancy performance checks.
He noted the firm will also return months after occupancy to verify system performance as seasonal conditions change, ensuring long-term functionality of the facility.
Commissioners approved the recommendation and authorized negotiations with the selected firm.
Jakob Gurley is a multimedia journalist with the Victoria Advocate. He can be reached at jakob.gurley@vicad.com.