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Selectmen weigh alternatives after $708,000 sand-shed bid far exceeds budget
Summary
Stonington selectmen reviewed a $708,000 low bid for a new salt/sand storage building and directed staff to pursue lower-cost alternatives (fabric structure, poured loading dock) after engineering review indicated the bid far exceeded budgeted capital; board later approved a Rubb USA fabric option for a smaller footprint with site work to follow.
Stonington selectmen opened 2019’s capital discussions by questioning a low contractor bid that reached roughly $708,000 for a new salt/sand storage building, a figure officials said was well above the town’s budget estimates.
Town Manager (TM) Billings told the board the quoted price prompted immediate engineering review. Selectmen asked staff to pursue alternatives — including fabric-structure vendors and a poured loading dock instead of block work — to bring the project within the town’s approved capital plan.
The board heard engineering input that a Rubb USA fabric building offered a stronger specification for the town’s site than some lower-cost fabric options. On April 15 the selectmen approved moving forward with the Rubb USA quoting package (estimated at about $303,149 for the structure), while noting excavation, site preparation and related civil work remained additional costs and would require separate contracting and funding decisions.
Why it matters: the sand/salt shed is an infrastructure item the town must replace to meet storage and DEP guidance while protecting material quality. The cost differential between the initial bid and the fabric-building option will require the board to confirm site-work budgets, contractor oversight and whether the final package requires additional warrant articles or reserve transfers.
What the board directed: TM Billings was asked to return with firm site estimates, the total project cost (building, excavation, drainage, erosion control) and an implementation schedule keyed to available reserve funds. The selectmen also discussed alternatives for phasing the work to reduce immediate capital demands.
Next steps: the town will finalize civil-site quotes and specify procurement documents before selecting a contractor for earthwork. Funding decision points will appear during the next budget/workshop cycle and, if necessary, at town meeting.
