Vermillion County commissioners on Jan. 5 voted to reject a December award of the county fuel contract to Keystone Cooperative and instead awarded the 2026 fuel contract to Sunrise after a rebid.

The board said earlier bids were inconsistent on whether applicable taxes were included, which prevented an "apples-to-apples" comparison. After asking vendors to resubmit, the commissioners approved Sunrise because it submitted the lower price inclusive of applicable taxes. The board voted unanimously to reject the prior award and to accept Sunrise's bid.

Why it matters: County fuel contracts supply pumps used by multiple county departments; a lower, tax-inclusive bid can reduce operating costs across departments. Commissioners indicated the change will save county money and allow clearer comparisons when awarding future procurement.

Details: The board first moved to reject the fuel bid it had approved at the December meeting, which had named Keystone Cooperative as the awardee. That rejection passed on a unanimous vote. Commissioners then approved Sunrise after staff obtained rebid numbers and confirmed Sunrise’s total price "with applicable taxes" was lower.

What’s next: Staff will implement the contract award and handle logistics for fuel supply under the new vendor. The board made no changes to contract length or terms at the meeting; any task orders or payment terms will follow standard county procurement procedures.

Quote: "Sunrise did come in lower price with applicable taxes," the presiding commissioner said during the vote. (Statement recorded on the meeting transcript.)

Votes at a glance: Motion to reject prior award to Keystone Cooperative — passed (unanimous). Motion to award contract to Sunrise — passed (unanimous).