Heath Sexton, Chilton County engineer, presented annual bids for the Road Department during a work session, recommending the county accept bids for fuel, plant mix, pipe and aggregates from the vendors that submitted responsive bids.
Sexton said the diesel and gasoline bids are submitted as a margin over rack average and that Petroleum Traders Corporation submitted competitive bids and a practical delivery option. He described the bidding method: “By the margin. So it's not basically when they get fuel in Montgomery there is a certain amount for each different variety and they average them up for the rack average. This would be the amount over.” He told commissioners Petroleum Traders could provide split-tanker deliveries for gasoline and diesel, which helps the county when it does not order full tanker loads of a single product.
Sexton requested acceptance of the low responsive bids for the various categories: delivered gasoline and diesel, bulk-drop fuel points (single bidder), plant mix (Option A within 30 miles and Option B between 30–60 miles), HDPE pipe (delivery and pickup options), aggregates to pick up at plant (multiple bidders), and reinforced concrete/arch pipe. He noted some bids were disqualified because the bidder’s plant location was outside county limits.
Sexton also referenced delivery specifications, saying contract vendors generally meet the two-day delivery requirement in the solicitation.
Why it matters: Annual bids determine the county’s supplies, logistics and unit costs for road maintenance and construction; delivery options affect operational flexibility for smaller orders.
What will happen next: Sexton asked the commission to accept the recommended awards and to authorize county staff to execute contracts or purchase orders consistent with the bid results. The work session did not show a formal recorded vote on award during the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners asked clarifying questions about margins and delivery; the engineer said he would proceed with recommended awards and address any contract paperwork at the formal meeting for approval.