Mount Holly City Council voted Aug. 11 to award a $9,913,000 contract to begin decommissioning the town
wastewater treatment plant and approved a corresponding budget amendment.

The action follows a direct state allocation of $15,000,000 for the project and earlier work to connect sewer lines to the city of Charlotte that, city staff said, has so far cost about $18,000,000 and was funded through a state revolving fund loan. City Manager Mr. Blanton told the council the bid opening had been re-advertised after the city initially failed to receive the three bids required for a valid opening; the only qualified bid received this second solicitation was from PC Construction for $9,913,000.

"I am looking for a motion to award this bid tonight and to approve the budget amendment thereafter," Mr. Blanton said. Councilmember Shoemaker moved to award the bid and approve the budget amendment; Councilmember Craig seconded. The motion passed.

Mr. Blanton said the decommissioning work will begin the process of retiring the town
wastewater facility and that the city plans a commissioning ceremony on Sept. 16 to mark the official turnover of wastewater service to the city of Charlotte. No further schedule or contract start date was specified during the meeting.

Discussion and background: city staff said the city previously spent about $18,000,000 to run new sewer lines to Charlotte and that the state allocation was intended to cover decommissioning costs. The bid award and budget amendment are the council's formal approvals to proceed with the decommissioning contract as presented.

Councilmembers did not record any amendments to the motion in the meeting transcript. Staff indicated they will follow procurement and contracting procedures for executing the awarded contract.