Low bid supports SWCC HVAC

Bids for the Southwestern Community College HVAC project have come in well under budget, administration now getting more bang for their buck.

SWCC Vice President of Economic Development Wayne Pantini explained at a board of trustees meeting earlier in the year where the project will take place.

“Room 180 [in the Instructional Center] has some original equipment to the HVAC system in there that we’re hoping to get upgraded and some better heating and cooling in that part of the facility,” Pantini said.

Des Moines-based architectural firm Shive-Hattery looked over the project and recommended the college replace the existing air handling units before continuing with any long-term options. The probable cost for construction was estimated about $1.1 million, with money come from the Fund 7 Physical Plant Fund.

When the construction bids actually came in at the April 8 board meeting, the college was happily surprised. While only one bid was received, Ball Team, LLC from Urbandale gave a low bid of $849,000. Due to this lower cost, Shive-Hattery also provided a breakdown of the total project.

“Since our bid came in at $849,000, they also included in there the fees for Shive Hattery for the study piece, the design, the mechanical commissioning and then the asbestos abatement design and the asbestos abatement contractor cost,” Pantini said. “All of that included came out to $1,001,525, so quite a bit less than the original estimated cost.”

With the bid approved, Pantini said the asbestos abatement will begin the week after graduation, followed by contract work. The project is expected to be completed in August, prior to the start of the fall semester.

In other SWCC news...

The board approved the fiscal year 2026 certified budget, which includes a 4.53% increase in the levy rate, a total spending authority of $36.23 million and an increase in total valuations by 3.7%.

An increase in room and board rates for the various SWCC halls was approved. Spartan Suites, Spartan Hall and Spartan Court will increase $100 a semester, a 2.47% increase bringing the semester total to $4,155. West Hall will increase $75 a semester, a 2.16% increase bringing the semester total to $3,555. There are no changes to the meal plan prices.