By Tammy Gray A $63,985 change order for the new public works complex was approved by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. Public Works Director Homero Vela explained that the funds will extend the contract with the architect for construction and post-construction services. He also noted that the amount was included in the initial budget for the project, but extension of the contract still requires board approval. County Manager James Jayne noted, “Our philosophy is that we don’t support change orders, but this is a budgeted number.” Jayne told the board that county staff members have been working closely with the contractor on the project to ensure that there are no change orders unless they are a result of changes requested by county officials. Vela explained that as part of the process of finalizing construction plans with the contractor, a few details of the design are being modified to suit the county’s needs. He told the board that he has been working closely with public works and information technology staff to ensure that the new complex meets the county’s needs now and in the future. “We are now finalizing every detail of the design,” he said. He noted that changes being made are included in the original budget, but the specific expenditures have not yet been approved by the board and so are being presented as change orders. The order extending the contract with the architect will allow the firm to oversee all details of construction. “Construction and post-construction service is to ensure that the design intended is met in construction–to ensure that the contractor builds it according to the design,” Vela said. The board unanimously approved the change order.