El Campo council approves $476,999 sewer contract after recent line collapse

El Campo — The City Council voted to award the 2026 Avenue High Sanitary Sewer Improvements contract to Ramrod Utilities LLC for $476,998.78, approving immediate replacement work after staff described a recent collapse of the sewer line.

City staff told the council the segment had been on an imminent‑failure list and that a collapse occurred last week, accelerating a project that had been scheduled for 2027. The city plans to use remaining proceeds from the 2024 bond issue to pay the contract; staff said utility‑fund reserves are available as a backstop if needed.

Staff described work that includes television inspection and cleaning of about 4,310 feet of line (the pre‑camera and cleaning were included in the scope) and the installation of an HDPE pipe to restore service. A staff member said, “In fact, last week, the line collapsed,” calling the repair urgent. Councilmembers asked about GPS mapping of taps and the geographic extent of the work; staff said the project will extend to Reba Sioux and will include some sidelines on Roberts and Peach streets.

The contract also includes a manhole‑rehabilitation line item priced by vertical foot. Staff explained the quantity reflects the average vertical feet per manhole and that a polymer‑based cementitious liner will be applied to protect the structures.

A council motion to approve R‑2026‑10 as presented passed by voice vote, authorizing the city manager to execute related documents and any necessary amendments. Staff said Ramrod Utilities could mobilize immediately to limit additional mobilization costs.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract execution and begin construction mobilization; the council was told work could start as soon as the contractor mobilizes.