Ware County staff to get price comparison before ordering pipe for Ammons Road drainage project

Public-works staff asked the Ware County Commission for approval to buy pipe stock to support the Ammons Road drainage project and maintain yard inventory for emergencies.

The director said the request covers CMP (metal) pipe in various sizes and lengths and that inventory would include driveway pipe and larger cross drains. Commissioners debated whether to standardize on concrete pipe — which commissioners said lasts longer but requires more labor and sometimes higher up-front cost — or to continue using a combination of metal and concrete depending on road type. One commissioner said concrete should be used under paved roads and metal could remain on side or driveway drains.

Staff noted current prices show metal pipe is about $15 cheaper per unit in recent quotes, while concrete lead times have improved because of nearby plants. The board asked staff to get a concrete-versus-metal price-and-installation comparison (including sizing for future paving needs) and to return with a recommendation; staff said it could provide pricing as soon as the next day.

Funding treatment was clarified: cross-drain pipe purchases would come from the 1% sales-tax allocation for road maintenance, while driveway-pipe purchases remain a general-fund expense if installed for private driveways.

Commissioners directed staff to obtain concrete and metal price comparisons, confirm quantities and sizing, and proceed with purchasing after the commission reviews the cost breakdown.