Town and Country approves crack-seal and concrete replacement contracts; concrete costs rise 44% year-over-year

The Town and Country Board of Aldermen on June 9 approved two public-works contracts: a 2025 crack-seal program contract and a 2025 concrete slab replacement contract. Officials said changes in material pricing and the scope of work explain the differing price movements.

Bill No. 25-25 authorized an agreement with the low bidder for the 2025 crack-seal program; the board voted to accept the bid and the measure became ordinance number 4697. City staff said the contract price is about $11,339 less than last year. Staff attributed the decrease largely to lower oil and asphalt prices, not to a reduction in the number of streets covered: "It's a similar number of streets... I would have to attribute it to the cost of asphalt or [crack sealing] going down," Michael (staff member) said.

On the concrete side, Bill No. 25-26 accepted the bid from M and H Concrete Contractors for the 2025 concrete slab replacement project; the board approved the measure and it became ordinance number 4698. Staff told aldermen this contract is approximately $158,900, or about a 44% increase compared with last year. Staff explained the higher cost reflects a larger scope this year — more panels to be replaced — rather than solely unit-price inflation.

Both measures passed unanimously. During the roll calls and discussion, aldermen asked about the difference among bids on the crack-seal contract and were told the selected contractor is experienced working in Town and Country and therefore more familiar with city requirements. No additional appropriations or budget amendments were recorded on the floor for these items during the meeting; staff did not present an amended funding table in the public discussion.

The board also continued, to June 23, a purchase order ordinance for bulk deicing salt (Compass Minerals) so the City can review budget and timing before formal approval.