ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A $2.5 million increase to a renovation project is on the agenda for Buncombe County commissioners.

The original budget for exterior work on the 200 College St. administration building was based on exploratory work performed in 2020 in which masonry elements in certain areas of the building were removed to investigate water intrusions.

It was found that the waterproof membrane under the masonry in the investigated areas was not properly installed and likely was that way around the entire building. After more testing and investigation, it was discovered that the waterproof membrane behind the metal panels at the top of the building was also faulty.

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On Tuesday, commissioners are expected to consider a budget amendment that would consolidate the $2,458,869 budget of the fiscal year 2022 Administration Building Envelope Repair into the fiscal year 2024 renovation project for 200 College St., bringing the renovation project budget to almost $5 million, according to county documents.

Consolidating those budgets would allow the county to fund the additional exterior remediation costs to prevent water and air infiltration to the administration building, documents said. The exterior remediation work includes removal of existing finishes, repair, replacement and installation of waterproofing and insulating materials, as well as installation of exterior finishes.

According to county documents, no new county funding is required.

“The work that will be starting, if they decide to combine the budgets, is the 2022 work. We just wrapped up all of the testing and design for the repair and bid the project,” a spokesperson for the county said.

Stone Restoration’s bid of $3,080,000 was the lowest. After negotiations, a final price of $2,959,000 was agreed upon, including $269,000 in contingency to cover any unforeseen conditions, county documents said.

The Board of Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the first-floor conference room, 200 College Street, downtown Asheville.