Rutland Select Board accepts low bid to advance South End sewer repairs; funding to come from sewer fund

The Rutland Select Board voted to accept the low bid for the South End sewer repair project and to move forward with the notice of award and contract, using available sewer-fund cash to start the work. The board approved the award to Casella Construction, Inc., and asked the town attorney to review final contract language before signatures.

Board members and town staff told the meeting that Otter Creek Engineering had compared bids and recommended Casella if funding was available. Carrie Clark, town clerk and treasurer, told the board that the town’s sewer fund balance was $893,118.53 and that amount “covers the Casella bid,” though it would not automatically cover added post-bid contingencies identified in the project summary. The board discussed a post-bid contingency budget and a separate allowance for an open-cut scenario that would be triggered if the directional drilling failed.

Select Board members emphasized that the award covers the firm low-bid amount presented in the meeting materials and that possible extras — including open-cut work or other contingencies listed in the post-bid budget — would be handled separately. The board noted the practical risk of delaying the work: staff said further postponement would likely increase costs. The board also instructed staff to have the town attorney review contract documents before the board signs.

The motion to accept the low bid passed by voice vote, 4-0 with one abstention. The project manager provided a notice of award packet at the meeting; the contractor has 15 days to supply required bonds and paperwork, after which the contract will be finalized.

Board members and staff laid out next steps: finalize the notice of award and contract paperwork, have the town attorney review contract terms and, if needed, plan for short-term cash management strategies (including drawing on the town’s cash-to-open balances and, if required later, bonding) to cover contingencies. Staff said the town would know, after early fall site work and tax receipts, whether additional borrowing or budget adjustments would be necessary.