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Council awards $3.24 million contract to rebuild 20 dune walkovers; councilors note cost increase from prior bid
Summary
The council awarded Pars Construction Services LLC $3,244,488 to reconstruct 20 dune walkovers and authorized construction administration work; council members raised concerns about the roughly $750k–$800k increase versus the prior solicitation and the limited number of bidders.
Jacksonville Beach — The City Council approved a contract award Sept. 15 to Pars Construction Services LLC for reconstruction and replacement of 20 dune walkovers at an amount not to exceed $3,244,488, and authorized construction administration services with Ford Waters Engineering for up to $148,554.
Public Works Director Dennis Barron said the project was carried over from an earlier fiscal year after a prior solicitation resulted in fewer bids and a bid protest; this round was re‑advertised and attracted four or five bidders. He said timing and contractor availability affect bid pricing and that waiting another year could increase cost and push work into or outside of turtle‑season windows.
Council member Golding expressed frustration that this award is roughly $750,000–$800,000 higher than the package proposed last December and said several walkovers in her district remain in poor condition. Council member Horn asked whether contractors who previously did the work bid; Barron said procurement solicited 22 firms (and specifically invited previous bidders), but contractor schedules and market volatility reduced the competitive field. The council discussed trade‑offs between delaying work for potential lower price versus safety and scheduling constraints tied to turtle season.
Roll call on the award showed unanimous approval to award construction and to authorize administration services; the council also authorized the mayor and city manager to execute the contract.
Ending: Barron said this set of 20 will be the final major reconstruction phase for dune walkovers and that Public Works will assume ongoing maintenance after completion.
