Surgoinsville board issues Notice of Award for sewer forcemain despite $39,000 shortfall

The Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously Aug. 26 to issue a Notice of Award to Charlie Smith Plumbing for the town’s sewer forcemain extension project despite the low bid coming in $39,000 over the project budget. Engineer Mark Osborne of The Lane Group presented the bids and recommended issuing the award while proposing options to keep the project within budget.

Osborne told the board the low bid exceeded the estimated budget by $39,000 and offered two cost‑reduction options: replace existing tanks with new plastic tanks — roughly $8,000 per tank — instead of inspecting and reusing the current tanks, or stop the sewer line extension before it reaches Highway 11W. He also recommended entering discussions with Charlie Smith Plumbing to negotiate project expenses.

Osborne said construction is anticipated to begin in November 2025 and that the engineering team will provide daily oversight, ensuring any installs are inspected and approved before being covered. After discussion, Alderman Bishop moved to issue the Notice of Award to Charlie Smith Plumbing; Alderman Hoss seconded the motion. A roll call vote was recorded as unanimous in favor.

Recorder Megan Gentry will follow up on financing options: Alderman Collier asked her to contact FTDD to inquire about sewer or wastewater grants that might help close the $39,000 gap. The minutes do not specify specific grant programs, eligibility or timelines.

The Board took formal action to proceed with the award; until a signed contract is in place Osborne noted the town is not legally bonded to the contractor. The next procedural step is contract negotiation and execution with Charlie Smith Plumbing, including any cost adjustments the Board and contractor agree to.