Morrison County awards Bel Prairie Park construction contract to low bidder after competitive process

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners voted March 24 to award the Bel Prairie Park construction contract (C2602, including two alternates) to High‑Tech Construction of Brainard after a competitive bid opening produced seven prime bidders.

Tony Henning, public works director, told the board the engineer’s estimate with alternates was about $997,900 and staff received a low bid that staff recommended honoring and validating. Henning described the bidding environment as competitive and recommended award to High‑Tech Construction after the company confirmed its numbers.

Henning said the apparent low bidder would honor the bid. After staff validation, Commissioner Moran moved to award the contract and the board approved the motion on a roll call vote, with commissioners voting in the affirmative. Henning said he was encouraged to see strong competition and local subcontractor interest in the project.

The board recorded that seven bidders had responded to the solicitation and that the low bid was roughly $934,250 — about 6% under the engineer’s estimate with alternates. The county will proceed with contract award and project delivery under the grant and contract terms presented by staff.

The contract award was approved during the board’s regular meeting; staff will complete contract paperwork and proceed with project scheduling under the county procurement rules.