Butte-Silver Bow commissioners on July 23 voted to refer a single bid for sanitary sewer work on Main Street and Alaska Street to the county Public Works Department for recommendation back to the full council.

The referral followed a bid opening at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Director Neri reported that the county received one bid from 3 Rivers Landworks of Clinton, Montana, and that the bid included a 10% bid bond. "The total price of this bid is $374,242.06," Director Neri said. Commissioners noted the county engineering estimate for the combined project was $400,500.

Commissioner Thatcher moved to refer communication number 202-5356 to Public Works for a recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved 9-0. The clerk recorded nine ayes and zero nays.

Why it matters: the referral starts the county review process that can affect project timing, contractor selection and whether the county proceeds this fiscal year. A single bidder can prompt further review of scope, budget and schedule before award.

In detail: the bid opening was announced by Angie Mullikin, Public Works budget manager, who requested the commissioners schedule the bid opening for the Main Street and Alaska Street sanitary sewer replacement projects. Director Neri confirmed the presence of one bid and the bid-bond percentage. Commissioners asked whether the project is scheduled for the current year; Director Neri confirmed it is. No commissioner raised an objection to referring the matter to Public Works.

Next steps: Public Works will review the bid, compare it to the engineering estimate and return a recommendation to the council. The committee's action does not constitute a contract award; the county will follow its procurement and contracting procedures before awarding work.