County project staff (identified in the meeting as Mr. Moore) recommended awarding a state‑funded well‑site heating conversion contract to Loff and Sutton after two bidding rounds. Mr. Moore said the low bid was $1,800,700, which exceeded the county’s available funds for converting all well sites, and recommended negotiating a memorandum of understanding that would remove three wells (9, 10 and 12A) from the project scope so the county could move forward with the remainder of the conversions.

Mr. Moore explained the decision reflected current market pressures: higher contractor demand and elevated material costs likely driven by construction activity and recently distributed ARPA funds. He said rebidding earlier produced a higher price from the incumbent bidder and that the county’s choice favored a contractor with whom staff had prior positive experience.

Commissioners asked how long the work would take and how the three wells were selected. Mr. Moore estimated construction duration at about six months once work begins and said the three wells were among older facilities that required more rehabilitation; the newer wells required less work and were prioritized for conversion.

Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to approve the staff recommendation to award the construction contract subject to the negotiated removal of the three specified wells; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will negotiate the memorandum of understanding to finalize the scope removing wells 9, 10 and 12A, execute the contract with Loff and Sutton, and begin construction work with an estimated six‑month construction window once mobilization starts.