Huntington council rejects combined sidewalk/park bids, orders separate rebids

The Huntington City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 20 to reject bids for a combined sidewalk and park project and to re-advertise the work with separate bid sheets. Council members said the two projects draw from different funding sources and presenting a single combined bid sheet could improperly bundle funds.

Council discussion centered on procedural fairness and funding accountability. One councilmember said, "This money's coming from 2 different pots," and argued the city must require two discrete bid sheets so each project can be awarded separately or to properly track funding. Staff confirmed the bid packet on the table combined the work into a single bid form; council members asked staff to obtain separate, clearly numbered bid sheets and to rebid the projects.

Tom Kaye moved to reject the bids and rebid; the motion was seconded and the council approved it by voice vote. The motion directs staff to re-advertise and require distinct bid forms for the sidewalk and the park/pickleball/concrete work so award decisions match funding sources.

Why it matters: Separating bids preserves the city's ability to allocate multiple funding sources appropriately and minimizes the risk of awarding projects that mix restricted funds. The council's direction also shortens the procurement record and aims to improve clarity for contractors. The council did not award either contract at this meeting and instead instructed staff to issue a new solicitation with two separate bid sheets.