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Millinocket council awards Bates Street infrastructure bid to Brown Construction at $1.89 million
Summary
After reviewing an engineering memo and MDOT funding timing, the Millinocket Town Council voted to award the Bates Street infrastructure improvement contract to Brown Construction for $1,894,110. Councilors cited the need to preserve state MPI funding and start work in 2026.
The Millinocket Town Council voted on July 23 to award the Bates Street infrastructure improvement contract to Brown Construction, the low bidder at $1,894,110. The council considered an engineering memo from Amanda & Associates that summarized contractor availability, schedule considerations and the $475,000 spread between the two bids received.
Town staff told the council Brown Construction indicated a likely August 2026 start date. The memo noted that Sargent/Sergeant Corporation submitted a higher bid of $2,368,750 and that Sargent’s local crews were committed through late 2026 into 2027. Council members repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping the project moving to satisfy MaineDOT municipal partnership initiative (MPI) timing; the MPI contract deadline cited in the memo was January 2027. Chair (role) summarized the staff recommendation and put the matter to a vote; the motion was made, seconded and passed.
During discussion an audience member who identified himself as an engineer urged additional comparative review of bid line items. The commenter said the engineering review could have examined specific pay items and flagged items that explained the $450,000–$475,000 difference. The council’s debate focused on legal constraints after bids are opened and whether the town could legally select a higher, local bidder to prioritize local capacity. One councilor noted, “once you open up bids, you got the bids, and you really can't go negotiate,” and several members said they nevertheless preferred awarding to Brown to preserve MDOT funding.
The order awards the Bates Street contract to Brown Construction; councilors and staff noted the town will continue coordination with MaineDOT and the project engineer on schedule and scope. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript beyond the motion passing. The town manager and engineering firm representatives remained available to answer follow-up questions after the vote.
