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Ambulance substation low bid $592,000 over budget; council routes item to committee
Summary
The low bid for a new ambulance substation came in at $2,427,500—about $592,086 over the project estimate. Staff recommended detailed financing discussion; the council placed the item on the Committee of the Whole agenda rather than approving the contract at the meeting.
City staff reported that Building Systems of Illinois submitted the low bid of $2,427,500 for a planned ambulance substation, exceeding the project's estimated total of $1,835,414 by $592,086. Funding sources identified in staff materials include a $1,500,000 commitment from the Humason Trust, $50,000 from the Foreign Fire Tax Board and a $500,000 federal grant; staff estimated the city share would be roughly $905,590 and noted contingencies would raise that figure by about 5%.
"This low bid is in excess of $592,086 in excess of the overall budget," staff said, noting the need to reconcile funding before awarding the contract. Given the budget discrepancy, staff and the mayor agreed to move the item to the Committee of the Whole for detailed review of financing options rather than taking a vote on awarding the contract at this meeting.
Why it matters: The bid-to-budget gap is substantial for a small city and will require explicit council decisions about whether to supplement the project with reserves, reallocate funds, reduce scope or seek additional grants. Staff scheduled the matter for committee discussion so all members can review options before a final award.
What's next: Item to be scheduled for Committee of the Whole; staff and councilors to prepare financing scenarios before the next meeting.
