Huntington council orders talks with contractor after unplanned U.S. Highway 31 sidewalk work

Huntington — City council members on May 21 debated who should pay roughly $6,298.50 a contractor is seeking after sidewalk was removed and replaced during a U.S. Highway 31 curb-and-gutter project.

The issue surfaced when council members and staff reviewed the contractor’s invoice and said the original bid covered only curb and gutter, not full sidewalk removal and replacement. Gary Arrington, the city’s planning and zoning representative, told the council he observed work start and initially assumed the contractor was following the scope; other council members said the contractor later removed sidewalk that was not part of the bid.

Council members cited a written contract and bid that they said did not include sidewalk work. One council member said the contractor told them he had been instructed by “Mr. Errington” to pull the sidewalk; the council characterized that as a he‑said/she‑said dispute and emphasized that the city had the approved contract on file. The contractor’s invoice itemized an extra charge of $6,298.50 above the contracted amount for the sidewalk work, which council discussion suggested largely reflected labor rather than materials.

Council members took differing positions: several said the contractor bears responsibility for unauthorized work and should absorb labor costs; others said the concrete itself was damaged and that the city should cover material costs. The council did not vote to pay the invoice at the meeting. Instead, the mayor and staff were asked to meet with the contractor—Gary Arrington and the mayor were specifically directed to negotiate—and to report back with a recommendation.

Next steps: staff will attempt to resolve the discrepancy with the contractor and return to the council with options. If negotiations fail, the council may consider formal dispute resolution or payment adjustments at a future meeting.