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Franklin County approves water‑line relocation for Texas Road bridge; county to cut brush to reduce cost
Summary
The commission approved relocating a water line for the Texas Road bridge near Sand Creek, authorizing Real Water 1 to perform the work at $115,551 with an estimated $22,950 reduction if county crews remove brush.
The Franklin County Commission on Jan. 29 voted unanimously to authorize relocation of a water line needed for the Texas Road bridge project just south of Sand Creek and to proceed with the planned bridge letting.
County staff asked commissioners to commit to the relocation so the project can meet its scheduled letting. Staff said the preferred contractor, Real Water 1, proposed a relocation price of $115,551. County personnel identified brush and scrub removal that the county can perform in‑house, which staff estimated would reduce the contractor cost by $22,950 if the county completes that work.
Derek (staff member) set the stage for the request and Jeff (staff member) presented specifics, saying the county had negotiated with the water district and the district had been cooperative in trying to reduce costs. Tom Wilson, identified as a representative of the water board, was present with the request and the proposed contractor.
Jeff told commissioners the county and water district had discussed ways to limit taxpayer burden and that in‑house brush removal would yield the estimated reduction. Commissioners asked whether any federal funds were involved; staff said the project carries about $1 million in state funding and that the total project cost is slightly under $1 million. Staff said no federal funds were used for this project.
A motion to approve the relocation of the water line through Real Water 1 at an amount of $115,551, with the $22,950 reduction if the county performs the brush removal, passed on a unanimous roll call. The roll call recorded Commissioner Meador, Commissioner Dickinson, Commissioner Sotomayor, Commissioner Wehmeyer and Chair Harris voting "yes." No amendments were recorded.
At the meeting staff said they will continue working with the contractor to seek any additional savings and will provide commissioners further information on related site and lease matters discussed at the commission's recent retreat.
Commissioners instructed staff to continue refining cost details ahead of the bridge letting and to return with any additional recommended changes to minimize taxpayer expense.
