Public Works committee pauses salt award after conditional low bid, sends decision to finance

Washington County Public Works staff told the committee the county’s salt procurement returned an atypical set of bids, including a low bid that attached conditions such as tariff pass-throughs and delivery contingencies. Staff recommended rejecting all bids and rebidding to preserve fairness to other suppliers.

Staff described the lowest bid at $89 per ton but said that vendor included four conditions — including acceptance of tariffs and shipping cost pass-throughs and voiding the price if the county used the New York State OGS contract — while other bidders did not include matching conditions. Staff’s recommendation to “reject all bids and we bid it again” was made to ensure all bidders compete on the same terms.

Committee members questioned short- and long-term risks. Staff said the county’s five-year average need (county and towns combined) sits at roughly 9,555–10,000 tons. The committee was told the county currently pays about $70.15 per ton; the OGS statewide contract was expected to publish prices around early May with results in late July–August. Staff warned the OGS price could also rise, and that the OGS contract has clauses (minimum purchase, storage/overage charges) that can affect costs.

Because the lowest bid contained terms the other bidders had not offered, and because tariffs and shipping fees remain uncertain, the committee voted to move the matter to the Finance Department for a final decision and to allow time to coordinate with towns that participate in the county bid. A voice vote recorded the motion as carried.

Ending: The county will not award salt at this meeting. Finance staff will review the bid terms and consult towns that piggyback on the county bid before the next committee or board action.