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Lake County accepts $1.43 million low bid from Morello Construction for Christmas Valley water project
Summary
The Lake County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a $1,431,060 low bid from Morello Construction for the Christmas Valley Water Improvements project, with staff noting $2,348,500 in total funding that leaves room for expected change orders; Commissioner James Williams pressed for protections against contingency exhaustion.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2, 2025 accepted a low bid of $1,431,060 from Morello Construction for the Christmas Valley Water Improvements project. HSN Senior Civil Engineer Darryl Anderson told the board that 15 bids were opened on Aug. 7, 2025, and that Morello’s submission was “reasonable and competitive” and included all required bidding documents.
The board’s Vice‑Chair Barry Shullanberger moved to accept the bid; Commissioner James Williams seconded the motion and raised concerns that a low bid could lead to substantial change orders that would increase the contractor’s total compensation. Anderson said change orders are to be expected for underground work and noted the project’s total funding is $2,348,500.00, which he said “left room for necessary change orders.”
Commissioner James Williams asked whether anticipated changes would require a new bidding process. Anderson replied there is a dollar threshold established by the Uniform Code that governs when change orders require re‑bidding; he said he would follow up with the commissioner about those restrictions. The motion was recorded as carried by a 3‑0 vote: “3 Ayes - Motion Carried.”
Why it matters: The award funds a major utility upgrade in Christmas Valley and commits the county to a construction contract that staff say will likely include change orders typical of underground work. The board’s discussion focused on whether the available contingency will protect the county from additional unplanned costs.
What’s next: Board minutes record the award and the motion carrying; Anderson indicated he would provide follow‑up about Uniform Code thresholds for change orders. The work session did not specify further administrative steps for final contract execution.
