Board approves rural intersection lighting contract despite bids 75% over estimate

Stearns County highway staff recommended awarding a construction contract for a rural intersection lighting project after receiving a low bid that was nearly 75% above the county’s estimate.

County Highway Engineer Chris told commissioners the project (SP073070‑032) covers 10 rural intersections identified for safety lighting. “We had estimated it to cost about $230,000. The low bid was $404,317,” Chris said, adding that rising costs for labor and materials — including copper and controller cabinets — explain most of the difference. He said the next bidder was over $500,000 and that the low bid “was a fair bid” in the current market.

Commissioners questioned whether the county should rebid or pare back the scope. Commissioner Bertram asked whether staff had recruited additional bidders; Chris said the sealed‑bid process attracted plan holders and vendors but that market volatility made rebidding unlikely to produce lower prices. He also noted there were few specialty bidders for signal and lighting work.

Commissioner Clark moved to approve awarding the contract to the low bidder; Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

County staff said the project was largely federally funded (about 80% based on the county estimate) and that savings from other levy‑funded projects awarded under budget could cover the local share increase. Staff estimated the award would require roughly $144,317 in additional levy funding if the bid were fully funded from local sources, but said available levy savings from other projects could cover that amount.

The county will proceed with contract awards and project scheduling; staff said they will continue to seek broader bidder interest for future similar projects.