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Monroe council rejects over-budget bid for Thomas/Georgia intersection water repairs
Summary
The City Council unanimously rejected a single bid nearly 75% above the city's estimate for water-line repairs at the Thomas Avenue/Georgia Street intersection, saying the price—about $1.2 million versus an internal $677,000 estimate—was too high and must be rebid.
The Monroe City Council unanimously voted Sept. 23 to reject the lone bid for the Water Systems Improvements at the Thomas Avenue/Georgia Street intersection after the price came in far above the city's internal estimate.
City Engineer Morgan McCallister told the council the project was estimated internally at about $677,000 but the bid received was nearly $1.2 million, roughly 75% higher than the estimate. McCallister said the plan had been narrowed to limit work to the intersection, but the single bid still exceeded the budget.
"We would rather make the repair and replace the roadway to remove the existing lines," McCallister said, explaining the city's preference to correct both utilities and the pavement together. The administration recommended rejecting the bid to avoid an unfavorable contract award.
Chairman Rodney McFarland I and other council members said the discrepancy justified rejecting the bid. McFarland noted some regular contractors had chosen to team up with others, and only one bid was ultimately submitted.
The council approved Resolution No. 9002, to reject the bid, on a unanimous vote. Mr. Muhammad moved the action and Mrs. Ezernack seconded.
Next steps: staff said they will re-evaluate the scope and rebid the work rather than accept the high-cost proposal. The council did not set a new advertisement date at the meeting.
