Commission Awards $276,582 Culvert-Lining Contract for 16 Sites

Saline County commissioners on July 22 approved a contract award for culvert lining at 16 locations after receiving three bids for the 2025 project. County Engineer Justin Mader said the low bid came from Mayer Specialty Services and that staff recommends accepting Mayer's unit bid prices for the 16 sites for an estimated total of $276,582.

Mader told commissioners the county received three bids at the July 15 opening and that Mayer Specialty Services had performed similar work the past two years. "We did receive 3 bids this year," Mader said, and the firm lowered its price after removing some subcontracted extensions that Mader said were unnecessary and increased cost.

Commissioners asked whether suggested changes had been provided to all bidders; Mader said the changes were part of the project specifications but that Mayer had originally included extra extension work that staff later identified as unnecessary. He also described the funding source: the county's special bridge construction (2-mill) fund, which covers both bridges and culverts and currently has an unencumbered balance of $1,527,000.

On procurement and payments, Mader explained the county pays completed bid items as work is finished rather than up front. "We pay for a completed bid item," he said, describing typical payment sequencing including mobilization and pay items tied to performance.

A commissioner moved to approve RFA 2025-105 as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The contract award does not specify a construction start date in the minutes; staff told commissioners that payment occurs by completed items and that contractors are often given broad windows to complete work.