Board awards tree‑removal bid to LSOP for about $9,760; proof of advertising confirmed

The County Drainage Board awarded a bid for tree removal and related retention work to contractor LSOP for $9,760 and carried the motion after board members confirmed proof of advertisement was available. Board members discussed that two proposals had been prepared by technician John South and that the funds for the work would come from the Taylor account in St. Joe County even though the work is located in La Porte County; South will oversee the job. The record shows a higher bid figure was discussed elsewhere in the packet but the award was made to LSOP for $9,760. A board member asked for and received verification of proof of advertisement before the vote. The board carried the motion to award the contract. Why it matters: the work is funded across county lines and affects maintenance of local retention/ditch areas; confirming advertising ensures procurement compliance. Next steps: John South will oversee the contractor’s work in the field and the county will reconcile payment and oversight details.