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Local contractor tells commission new procurement methods 'circumvent' competitive bidding for water-plant projects
Summary
A longtime Winter Haven contractor told the commission the city’s shift to alternative procurement methods for two new water‑treatment plants risks sidelining local contractors; staff said they would follow up to clarify the bidding status.
During public comment at the Feb. 9 Winter Haven City Commission meeting, Scott Short, who identified himself as president of SynState Contractors and AAA Top Quality Asphalt, urged the city to reconsider alternative procurement practices for two upcoming water‑treatment plant projects (Cypress Wood and Pollard Road).
Short told commissioners he attended a rating meeting where three firms submitted proposals and that the highest‑rated firm was out‑of‑county and already holds other large regional contracts. He said the city’s current approach "circumvents the competitive bid process" long used for municipal projects and argued the two plants—together estimated at about $25 million—should be publicly bid, perhaps split between consultants’ separate designs to allow more local participation.
Mayor Yates thanked Short and said staff would follow up to confirm the procurement method and provide Short with correct contact information. The mayor reiterated a preference for local contractors when possible and said the city would review whether state rules limit local hiring options.
What was on the record: Short said the proposals he saw were from firms outside Polk County, that one contractor already does the city's wastewater treatment work, and that the Polk Regional Water Cooperative contract is a large program. City staff agreed to contact Short after the meeting to review where the procurement stands and how procedures have changed.
