In a pivotal moment for Soledad's infrastructure development, the City Council approved a contract with David Construction and Management during a special meeting on April 9, 2024. The contract, which includes a base bid of $7.49 million plus a 5% contingency, aims to address ongoing construction needs in the city.

The decision came after the city received only one bid, which was noted to be higher than initial cost estimates. City officials acknowledged this trend of rising costs, attributing it to various factors including pandemic-related delays and supply chain issues that have affected construction projects statewide. "We observed this discrepancy across many city projects already and across other agencies within the state," a city representative stated.

Council members raised concerns about the limited number of bidders, prompting discussions on the outreach efforts for soliciting bids. The city utilizes a third-party website, planetbids.com, and also advertises in local newspapers to attract potential contractors. Despite the single bid, the council confirmed that state regulations allow them to proceed with procurement under such circumstances.

The project is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, ensuring that the timeline for completion remains intact without impacting the allocated funds. The council emphasized the importance of timely expenditure of these funds, with the project expected to be completed by November.

With unanimous support, the council's approval marks a significant step forward in enhancing Soledad's infrastructure, reflecting ongoing challenges in the construction industry while ensuring that city projects continue to move forward.