The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on Nov. 19 heard opening bids for multiple Public Works projects and equipment purchases and referred each set of bids back to the Public Works department for further review and recommendation.

Public Works Director Mark Neri reported two bids for the Silver Lake Industrial Water System Improvements: Swank submitted a low lump-sum bid of about $2,563,953 and a second bidder (Slutton/Slutton) submitted about $3,636,000. Neri also presented bids for a new skip loader (RDO $138,000; Torgersen's $131,520; Western States $146,000), a 5-yard single-axle dump truck (TransSource bids of $136,484.06 and $147,256.32; iState Truck Center $139,799), and a 3–4 cubic yard wheel loader (bids ranging roughly $264,000–$277,936).

Commissioner Shea moved to refer the Silver Lake construction bids to Public Works for review and recommendation; the clerk recorded a unanimous 10–0 vote. Similar motions to refer the skip loader, dump truck and wheel-loader bids also passed by 10–0 votes. Neri said he would return with recommendations that include brand and model details and any clarifications about bid bonds and contract terms.

The referrals mean Public Works will evaluate the bids’ compliance with procurement requirements, verify bond amounts and prepare a recommendation for a future council meeting. No contract awards were made at the Nov. 19 meeting.

Director Neri noted he would supply commissioners with model and specification differences when he brings his recommendations back to council.