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Monroe council rejects sewer repair bid after engineer flags 71% cost overrun
Summary
The council approved Resolution No. 9024 to reject the Texas Ave LS sewer force main repair bid after City Engineer Morgan McCallister reported the lowest bid exceeded the estimate by about 71% (over $1.7M vs. ~$1M estimate); council sought greater transparency and written justification for over-budget bids.
The Monroe City Council voted Oct. 28 to adopt Resolution No. 9024, rejecting the low bid for the Texas Ave LS Sewer Force Main Repairs Project after staff reported the bid was substantially over the original estimate.
City Engineer Morgan McCallister told the Council the low bid came in at just over $1.7 million while the estimate presented earlier to the Council was about $1 million and original internal estimates were nearer $800,000. McCallister said nearly double the estimate is unacceptable and that projects exceeding 10% over budget should include written justification.
Chairman Rodney McFarland said the public deserves detailed reasons for rejecting bids and emphasized transparency. Mr. Harvey offered a substitute motion to adopt the resolution on grounds of insufficient funds to complete the project; the motion carried unanimously.
Council members discussed market pressures and contractor pricing; McCallister said he expects higher prices but offered no explanation for a near-doubling and recommended the bid be reviewed for proper justification. The Council did not approve any immediate rebid or alternate funding at the meeting, and staff indicated they will pursue better bids and provide written justification consistent with DOTD guidance when variances exceed typical thresholds.
The rejection is recorded as a formal action; the council expects staff to report back with options and justification before reissuing the project for bid.
