The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee on July 30 approved a $7,020,250 contract with Boulder Contractors Inc. of Cary, Illinois, and an emergency appropriation of $7,020,250 from public works reserve funds to replace two 16-inch force mains from the Vernon Hills West Pump Station to the New Century treatment facility.

Committee members moved and seconded the measure — "motion by Hunter, second by Kasban" — and the motion carried. No roll-call vote tally was provided in the meeting minutes.

The county presented the work as an acceleration of a previously planned fiscal‑year 2026 replacement. Public Works Director Austin McFarland said consultants have previously examined the two force mains and found them in poor condition; the mains have contributed to surcharge during heavy wet‑weather flows. McFarland said the county originally planned the replacement for a later year but decided with partner agencies to move it forward now, prompting the emergency appropriation.

On the bid tabulation shown to the committee, Boulder Contractors’ alternate bid matched the appropriation figure of $7,020,250; the base bid on the table read $4,632,500. McFarland told members he would verify the difference between the base bid and the alternate (for example, whether the base bid covered one force main while the alternate covered both) and provide that clarification before the Finance Committee meeting the following day. Member Hunter requested the same.

McFarland said the project replaces two 16‑inch force mains and was moved forward after partner concurrence. Committee members emphasized the need for an explanation of the base vs. alternate bid pricing before final budget deliberations.

Background provided to the committee showed the mains have been previously inspected and identified as deteriorated; the department has experienced surcharge events during heavy rainfall. McFarland said the project had been budgeted but was being advanced in time and therefore required an emergency appropriation.

The committee did not direct additional studies or amendments at the meeting; staff said they would return with clarifying bid documentation and later with construction scheduling details.

The county will proceed with contract execution and construction planning under the emergency appropriation and will present follow‑up information to the Finance Committee as requested.