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Knox board rejects sewer‑lining bids, plans to rebid under public‑works rules
Summary
After opening bids for a 2,898‑foot sewer‑lining project, the board rejected all proposals because totals exceeded estimates and the solicitation must follow Indiana IFB rules for projects above $150,000. The city attorney advised reissuing the invitation for bids.
The Knox Board of Works opened bids for a sewer‑lining project covering about 2,898 linear feet and voted to reject all proposals and rebid the work.
The board heard two primary bids and an alternate: an apparent low bid of roughly $698,750, a second bid around $866,342.23, and an alternate for lining manholes at $892,891. The presiding official moved to reject the submissions after concluding the amounts exceeded the board’s cost expectations and because projects above $150,000 must follow formal invitation‑for‑bid (IFB) procedures.
Justin, the city attorney, told the board that "public works projects that come in over a $150,000 require full bidding requirements" and explained the IFB process: public notice, a formal opening, awarding to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, and recordkeeping. He recommended the board reject the bids now and reissue an IFB to ensure compliance with Indiana public‑works procurement rules.
Board members said the bids exceeded internal estimates and agreed rejection was the proper step so the city can re‑advertise the work with the correct procurement documents. The board did not record roll‑call tallies in the transcript; members voiced approval and the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will rebid the project following the IFB process described by the city attorney, publish notice per statute, open bids publicly and return to the board with a recommendation to award to the lowest responsive bidder.
