Board renews one-year Aden Homes sandbag contract after debate over inventory and cost

The East Ascension Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1 Board of Commissioners voted April 7 to renew a one-year master contract with Aden Homes LLC for sandbag production and delivery, with a contract cap of $345,000.

The motion to renew, moved by Mr. Varnado and seconded by Mr. Robair, drew questions from board members about the number of bags on hand, bag longevity and the per-bag price. Board staff member Jay told the board, “we have approximately 80,000 on hand,” and said those bags were produced in July–August 2022 and are made of a 26-mil sunproof material. A board member and others questioned whether the inventory was still serviceable and whether renewing the contract would obligate the district to pay for production; legal counsel said the district pays only if production is needed under the contract and that a failed vote would likely trigger a new request for proposals (RFP).

During discussion a price of $3.45 per bag was noted. Mr. Cole asked several clarifying questions about the bags’ manufacture date and durability; Jay replied that the green, sunproof bags “have lasted well” and that staff had inspected them recently. One commissioner objected to the renewal on cost grounds; the chair said the objection required a roll-call. The board ultimately approved the renewal by a 6–3 vote.

Why it matters: The master contract is intended to ensure the district can quickly obtain sandbags and distribution services during flood events without a new procurement delay. Board members emphasized that the renewal does not require production or payment unless the district requests bags under the contract.

What’s next: With the renewal approved, the district retains an option to order sandbags if future flood conditions require emergency production and distribution. If the renewal had failed, legal advised the board it could issue a new RFP to secure similar services.