Ballard County rejects emulsion oil bids, will require on-site mixing in rebid

Ballard County Fiscal Court on June 17 voted to reject all submitted bids for emulsion oil after members concluded the proposals were not comparable and did not meet the county’s on-site mixing preference.

At the meeting Chair said bidders had returned different offers — one company proposed delivered material while another proposed on-site mixing — making the submissions "apples and oranges." Commissioners and road department staff recalled prior on-site cold-mixed blending had been preferred because it lowered hauling costs and matched county practice. The court decided to rewrite the bid specifications to require on-site mixing and to rebid the contract, returning the item to the July 1 agenda.

Commissioners discussed price memory from prior years, noting past per‑ton quotes ranging roughly from just over $100 to about $130 per ton, and emphasized the county’s intent to specify equipment and mixing requirements in the new solicitation. Chair moved to reject the current bids; Brian seconded the motion and the court voted in favor to reject the bids.

The rebid will clarify whether bidders must bring mobile mixing equipment to the county lot and will list minimum acceptable materials and mixing standards. One commissioner said he would contact a bidder directly before the new specs are issued to confirm their capability to perform on-site mixing.

The court did not award the emulsion oil contract; no funding or award amounts were finalized. The item is scheduled to return for formal action at the July 1 meeting.