Bannock County awards chip-seal aggregate contract to SunRock/Topatco for haul and delivery options

Bannock County commissioners approved awarding the county's chip-seal aggregate contract to SunRock doing business as Topatco, selecting two bid options that allow the county to choose between hauling material itself or having the vendor deliver.

Crystal, the county's chief procurement officer, and Buddy Rombrell, public works assistant director, presented the bid. The solicitation included four options; Topatco was the sole responsive bidder but provided pricing for all options. Staff recommended awarding Options 3 and 4, which cover the county hauling the aggregate (Option 3) and the vendor hauling and delivering it (Option 4).

Rombrell said the county has used less-specific chip material in prior years to save money and that the county expects a savings of about $6 per ton compared with higher-grade specifications used by some state agencies. "So that's kinda the direction we would like to go, just in the essence to save some money," he said. Rombrell also noted the delivery quarry is near the Simplot area, which reduces haul costs for the vendor.

County commissioners asked whether the material would be used in the north end of the county this year; staff said placement depends on operational scheduling but noted a plan to focus on the north side near Chubbock with potential to work farther south if operations allow. Staff advised that the agreement requires completion by Aug. 1 and that for specific orders the county will specify at the time whether it will haul or have the vendor deliver.

After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the award; the board voted in favor.