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Council approves $3.16 million Broadway water-main replacement; members debate funding trade-offs
Summary
The council approved a low bid for a $3,161,039 Broadway water-main replacement project that came in above the engineering estimate; staff and aldermen discussed postponing other projects, using internal loans or a supplemental budget amendment to cover the shortfall.
The Quincy City Council approved a $3,161,039 low bid from Rees Construction Company to replace the Broadway water main between 20th/4th and 30th streets despite the bid coming in above the engineer’s estimate; the roll call was 13 ayes, 1 nay.
Why it matters: The Broadway project intersects an IDOT resurfacing plan; staff warned that delaying the water main risks cutting new asphalt twice. The approved bid will require shifting about $2 million of capital that staff says will not be available in the water and sewer budget unless other projects are postponed or internal loans and supplemental budget amendments are used.
Public-works presentation: Jeffrey Conte, director of public works, told the council the bid was roughly 6% above the engineering estimate (the engineer’s estimate was about $2,990,000 and the low bid was $3,161,039) and that the city had previously borrowed $5 million for the larger program, of which about $4.8 million went to the first phase. Conte said completing this next phase without cutting other projects will require shifting funds or short-term borrowing.
Council discussion: Aldermen expressed concern about postponing promised projects in other wards, naming Jackson (Fifth to Twelfth) and College (Fourth to Eighth) as potential projects that might be delayed. Options discussed included: deferring less-urgent capital projects, an internal interdepartmental loan from city reserves, or a supplemental budget amendment to be prepared for council consideration. Several aldermen said they preferred to use the city’s available cash rather than take a commercial loan.
Outcome and follow-up: The council approved the resolution to award the contract after discussion; the clerk’s roll call showed 13 ayes and 1 nay and the resolution was adopted. Council members directed staff to prepare a supplemental budget amendment and financing options to cover the shortfall for consideration at upcoming budget meetings.
