Council debates rebidding sidewalk repairs before approving KG Cement extension

Councilors debated whether to rebid the sidewalk repair program or accept KG Cement’s offer to extend its prior unit rates, then approved an extension to use those unit rates beginning the next budget year.

Staff presented KG Cement’s offered unit rates: $11.25 per square foot for 4-inch concrete sidewalk and $12.50 per square foot for 6-inch concrete. Several council members said the city should give local contractors the opportunity to compete; others warned that a re-bid could produce higher prices and that the extension preserves budget certainty and allows work to proceed without delay. One council member characterized not rebidding as a disservice to local contractors; another countered that rebidding risks higher costs and that the extension was presented so councilors could choose.

After discussion the council approved the extension by roll call. Staff said the sidewalk program typically begins July 1, the start of the next budget year, and the program’s cost will be covered by capital improvement funds.