Board authorizes $3.315 million RBIS contract for ready-site water and sewer extensions after questions about low bid

The Texarkana Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter a contract with RBIS LLC for the Ready Site Water and Sewer Extensions project after discussion about bid differences and potential change orders.

City staff presented the contract and said RBIS was the apparent low bidder at $3,315,344. Staff described the scope: approximately 10,952 feet of 12-inch water main, 7,013 feet of 10-inch gravity sewer main, 25,576 feet of 8-inch sewer force main, 15 manholes, 8 gate valves, 6 fire hydrants, one sewer lift station, and all appurtenances to serve the ready site on Highway 67. The project was included in ordinance 22-2022 and planned to be funded with waterworks and sewer facilities revenue bonds, series 2023.

Directors pressed staff about the roughly $950,000 gap between the lowest and second-lowest bidder and flagged the possibility of later change orders, especially given railroad coordination with Union Pacific. Project staff (Gary and others) said the city budgeted about $4.5 million for the project, the low bidder had previous work experience with the city, and that change orders are always possible on large projects. Staff specified that any change orders above the board’s administrative threshold (noted as $35,000) must be returned to the board for approval.

After the discussion the board voted by roll call to authorize the contract. The resolution passed.

The board also discussed oversight language and public access to packet documents for major consent items, with multiple directors saying the public should have easy access to contract details before votes.