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Low bid for Webster County bus garage at $3.8M exceeds estimate; board orders value‑engineering review
Summary
Bids for a planned bus garage came in well above the district estimate; the low bidder was $3.8 million, prompting the board to convene a value‑engineering review to reduce steel and masonry costs and bring the project within budget.
The Webster County Board was told Monday that the low bid for a proposed bus garage was $3.8 million — significantly higher than the district’s projected $2.6–$2.8 million construction cost — prompting a value‑engineering session to identify cuts and reduce the total price.
Christian reported that Accelerated Construction Services submitted the low bid at $3.8 million; Dan Hill Construction bid $4.2 million and Veritas Contracting Services bid $4.5 million. Christian said the project team will hold a value‑engineering meeting with engineers and architects to examine ways to lower costs, including reducing steel, masonry and other high‑cost divisions, and then review recommended cuts with district leadership.
Christian said steel and aluminum costs were notably higher than expected. He also noted that using a prefabricated or pre‑engineered building could be materially cheaper than a traditional build, citing an estimated $380 per square foot for the low bid versus typical SBA policy numbers near $447 per square foot.
Board members agreed to pursue value engineering and to solicit input from local contractors on potential cost-saving alternatives. Christian said the team would compile recommended reductions and present them to district leadership for consideration before the board makes a final decision.
No contract award was made at the meeting; the board scheduled the value‑engineering session and will review recommended changes before selecting a path forward.
