McBee council to have committee open maintenance bids; caboose repairs urged

The Town of McBee council discussed repairs to a deteriorating caboose and received sealed bids for mowing and site maintenance during its May 4 meeting.

Mayor John Campolong said a local resident offered to help repair broken caboose windows and secure the structure. He also said the town had received sealed bids for mowing and maintenance of the recreation complex and asked that Kemp and Council Member Charlie Sutton open and review the bids because they were familiar with the work.

Attorney Martin Driggers said assigning a small committee to do preliminary work and report back to the council was acceptable. Council Member A.C. McLeod asked that membership on the committee be formally voted; Council Member Glenn Odom raised concerns that state law may require a public bid opening and that limiting access could expose the town to legal challenge. Council members agreed the committee would report back and that any required public procedures would be followed.

Why it matters: awarding maintenance and mowing contracts affects town expenditures and liability; repairing the caboose preserves a local historical feature and reduces trespass risks.

Next steps: Kemp and Charlie Sutton will coordinate a time to open and evaluate sealed bids and return recommendations to the council; the council will ensure any legally required public opening procedures are observed.