Valdosta approves $997,006.50 contract for electrical upgrades at two city wells

Valdosta city council voted to award a $997,006.50 contract to Standard Contractors for electrical and minor civil improvements at Wells 1 and 5 at the Gas Road Water Treatment Plant. Utilities Director Jason Barnes recommended approval after the city received one sealed base bid and outlined work including replacement of electrical and control components, painting, minor civil improvements and installation of a generator connection box and pole-mounted lighting.

"The staff recommends to approve the base bid submitted by Standard Contractors in the amount of $997,006.50," Barnes said during his presentation. He told council the bid includes a 5% allowance for unforeseen circumstances. Staff said the wells are original to the plant, which was built in 1992, and the upgrades are intended to improve reliability and meet the city's capacity needs.

Council had no substantive questions and moved quickly to a vote. A council member made a motion to approve the request as presented and the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The contract award covers the scope described by staff; bid documents were advertised on July 8, 2025, and a mandatory pre-bid conference was held July 16. City officials said they will proceed with coordination and contract administration and that work is intended to reduce the risk of service interruptions to the affected water system zones.

The council did not provide a detailed construction schedule at the meeting; staff did not indicate an exact start date for the work and said details would be handled through the contract process.