Council debates low bid from American Road for chip seal project

Concerns over a low bid for a chip seal project dominated the Laramie City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, as officials debated the implications of awarding the contract to American Road, a company offering a significantly lower price than competitors. The bid came in at $4 per square yard, compared to $6 and $6.10 from other bidders, raising eyebrows among council members regarding the quality and reliability of the work.

Councilor Newman expressed apprehension about the low bid, suggesting that it might indicate potential issues with the company’s ability to deliver on the project. “We’re going to watch these guys,” he stated, emphasizing the need for oversight without resorting to micromanagement. The mayor reassured the council that city staff would closely monitor the project, which is expected to be completed quickly.

During the meeting, Director Webb shared insights from due diligence efforts, revealing positive feedback from other municipalities that have worked with American Road. He noted that a contact in New Mexico reported satisfactory results and costs below expectations. However, public commenter Mr. Glass raised concerns about the legitimacy of the low bid, questioning whether it might be a “lowball” offer and whether the city could legally expand the project scope without re-bidding.

The council is now faced with the challenge of balancing cost savings with the need for quality assurance as they move forward with the project. The discussion highlighted the importance of thorough vetting and ongoing oversight in municipal contracts, especially when significant cost discrepancies arise.