The trial of contractor Chris Arnold for failing to install new curbs in Holmes Beach and fulfill his contract is now set for March.
On the docket for a January trial, 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Deno G. Economou moved it to March 16 at a Jan. 22 status conference, according to assistant State Attorney Lisa Chittaro’s office.
Arnold was arrested in September 2013 for allegedly scheming to defraud the city of $92,830.50 in connection with a 2012 public works contract to remove and replace curbing.
The city paid Arnold’s company, Services by Chris Arnold LLC, more than $215,000 for work performed on 12 streets, Flotilla Drive and 11 others in the Key Royale area, according to Holmes Beach records.
A court filing in October by Arnold’s attorney, Jason Reid, called the city contract “a gentleman’s agreement,” and claimed $32,350 to $43,190 in unpaid project work.
Expected to testify at a trial are current and former city officials, including former Mayor Rich Bohnenberger and former public works superintendent Joe Duennes.
A docket sounding is set for March 3 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., according to Chittaro’s office.