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Williamson council awards amphitheatre contract to McLeRoy after bid review
Summary
The Williamson City Council voted 3-0 on April 23, 2026, to contract with McLeRoy to build the town’s amphitheatre after rejecting several bids for failing to meet design or cost requirements; council discussed materials, electrical work, and a possible July 4 completion.
The Williamson City Council voted 3-0 on April 23, 2026, to contract with McLeRoy to construct the city’s planned amphitheatre, citing McLeRoy’s responsiveness to the request for proposals and a competitive price.
Mayor Steve Fry presented a spreadsheet summarizing bids and key criteria — materials, electrical, conformity to the original design and completion timeframes. Council members eliminated several bidders: MMC Contracting was removed for failing to address many RFP points; Headley was disqualified because its cost was prohibitive and it did not follow the provided design; Riley Contracting’s plans listed wood beams rather than steel, prompting concerns about carpenter bees and long‑term upkeep. Flint Contracting had a competitive price but also deviated from the original plans by using wood beams.
Council members said McLeRoy’s bid most closely matched the RFP. Council noted McLeRoy could likely finish in about 60 days pending steel fabrication but that its proposal did not include electrical outlets. The council discussed adding a concrete pad at the back access door and installing ceiling outlets for lighting; members concluded the pad and additional outlets were worth the extra cost and noted outlets could be added later if needed.
During the public‑comment period, the only citizen present, Mr. Pugh, urged the council to eliminate contractors that did not follow the city’s full design and expressed support for completing the amphitheatre. "Eliminating any contractors that did not follow the city's total design," he said, as the council weighed local preference and price differences. Council members observed Southern Venture Partners’ bid was roughly $100,000 higher than McLeRoy’s and that Southern Venture is based in Forsyth while McLeRoy is in Pike.
Councilmember Carol Berry moved to contract with McLeRoy to complete the amphitheatre as specified; Councilmember Stephen Levin seconded. The motion carried 3-0. Councilmember Bob Harrison was noted absent and Post 5 remains vacant. The workshop adjourned at about 7:28 p.m.
Implementation details flagged during discussion included adding electrical outlets (not included in McLeRoy’s proposal) and constructing a concrete pad at the rear access door; the council did not record final contract price or a contract execution date in the minutes.
