The St. Joseph County Drainage Board approved payment to contractors for work on several drains, and awarded multiple excavation contracts after reviewing bids on Thursday.

During the surveyor’s report the board reviewed five contractor payments for work on Judy Creek, Willow Creek, Grapevine, Woodward and Walter’s that totaled roughly $44,000. An unidentified board member moved to approve payment to contractors; another board member seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote.

The board then opened and reviewed bids for several lateral and drain projects. After confirming proof of publication for the bid openings, members moved to award Grapevine lateral work to Beaver Excavating for an amount reported at about $11,225. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners also debated award decisions on larger jobs. Members questioned whether the lowest bid for the Rogers Ditch project reflected realistic costs given the contractor would need to haul substantial truckloads of dirt. After discussion that noted the project funds come from the county engineering budget (not the drainage board fund), the board moved to forward an award to Beaver Excavating for approximately $58,850; the motion carried by voice vote.

Board members repeatedly emphasized verifying advertising and publication requirements for bids before finalizing awards. The meeting record shows multiple motions to accept low bids where board members asked staff to confirm that those bids met scope and advertisement standards.

The board adjourned the procurement items after completing the awards; no further appeal or bid protests were recorded during the meeting.