Burke County finance committee members reviewed several bids for the Ritz Avenue Road expansion, a short connector road through the industrial park. Staff read multiple bids aloud: Sykes Brothers at approximately $1,495,125.50; JW Oliver Construction at $1,850,009.81; Gehrig at $2,295,005.59; E.R. Snell at about $2,439,407; and other bids in the near-$1 million range for some contractors. Commissioners noted the project length is roughly two-tenths of a mile and that curb and gutter installation is likely to drive costs.

A commissioner asked whether utilities are available to the development; staff said they had "no answer on utilities" at the time. Commissioners expressed surprise at some bid amounts given the short distance and discussed the need to confirm utility availability and exact scope before awarding the contract.

Staff indicated they will bring more information back to the board, including utility status and a recommendation on award. No contract was awarded at the meeting; commissioners deferred the award until utility and scope questions are resolved.