Service Authority authorizes $354,276 contract for Buck Berkshire sewer extension

The Amherst County Service Authority on Feb. 3 authorized the executive director to award a $354,276 contract for the Buck Berkshire sanitary sewer extension, the project staff said is intended to serve several Habitat for Humanity properties and nearby houses that lack sewer service.

Staff recommended moving forward after reviewing bids and references; the low bid of $354,276 was presented as the consultant’s recommendation. ‘‘My recommendation is to move forward with this,’’ staff said, noting the project is funded using ARPA funds for sewer extension. The motion to authorize the executive director to proceed carried on a voice vote after Mister Pero moved it.

Board members discussed how costs and responsibilities are allocated. Staff said property owners are responsible for services on their private property up to the street and that connection fees and an upfront 50% cost policy would be applied when residents choose to connect. One board member asked whether contractors typically handle high‑budget line items such as tree removal; staff said that if bids had come in over estimate the authority could negotiate, but the bids were within the engineer’s estimate.

The board and staff also reviewed the range of bids and the engineer’s estimate. Staff noted the low bidder was under the engineer’s estimate and that references will be checked because the contractor is new to the authority’s projects.

The award authorization completes the board’s approval step for construction contracting; staff will return with contract documents and next steps for procurement and mobilization.