Ascension Parish seeks to raise public works contract limit for efficiency

During a recent Louisiana Legislature meeting focused on transportation, key discussions highlighted the challenges faced by Ascension Parish in managing public works contracts. Ricky Compton, the infrastructure division director for Ascension Parish, presented a compelling case for raising the public works contract limit from $250,000 to $500,000. He emphasized that the parish has spent over a million dollars on performance bonds for contracts under the current limit, which have never been utilized. This situation has resulted in unnecessary costs that burden local projects.

Compton illustrated his point with a specific example: a $32,000 project for a pipe rail in a local park incurred an additional $3,200 in bonding costs. He argued that if the contractor failed to complete the work, the parish would have simply moved on to another contractor without needing the bond. By aligning the bond requirements with the proposed contract limit, Compton believes the parish could operate more efficiently and reduce costs.

Ruth Phillips, the Chief Administrative Officer for Ascension Parish, supported this proposal, noting that the current limit creates difficulties in attracting contractors for smaller projects. The requirement for three quotes for contracts under $500,000 has proven to be inefficient, as it is often not cost-effective for contractors to mobilize for smaller jobs. Phillips pointed out that local crews could handle many of these projects, which would expedite work and better utilize parish funds.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the need for legislative adjustments to improve the efficiency of public works projects in Ascension Parish. By raising the contract limit and revising bonding requirements, local officials aim to streamline operations and enhance service delivery to the community. As the legislature considers these changes, the potential for improved project management and cost savings remains a focal point for local governance.