Nine towns opt for independent salt bid instead of OGS contract

In a pivotal meeting on April 10, 2025, the Washington County Personnel & Finance Committee tackled the pressing issue of salt procurement for local towns, revealing a complex landscape of bids and pricing that could significantly impact municipal budgets.

The committee discussed a self-bid initiative for salt, with nine towns opting to participate in the county's bid rather than the state’s OGS contract. The pricing structure was broken down into four zones, with costs ranging from $89 to $902.90 per ton, depending on the delivery area. This year’s bid process was complicated by the Buy America Self Act, which has led to uncertainty regarding the eligibility of suppliers, particularly concerning Canadian companies.

A key point of contention arose around the awarded bid to Atlantic Salt, a company based in Chile, which raised questions about compliance with local procurement laws. The committee noted that while Atlantic Salt's bid included exceptions that could complicate the agreement, the company has not withdrawn from negotiations.

Concerns were also voiced about the quality of salt received in previous years, with reports of contamination and supply issues affecting the product. The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that towns receive high-quality salt, as past deliveries had included significant amounts of non-salt materials.

As towns prepare to finalize their decisions on whether to accept the county's bid, the committee is awaiting further clarity from OGS on their bidding process and potential changes in supplier eligibility. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for local governments as they navigate rising costs and the need for reliable salt supplies for winter maintenance.