Bids for construction of Nahunta’s new sewer system to alleviate problems all over the city came in a little higher than anticipated and has prompted the city to reapply for government funding for the project.
So for now it’s back to the drawing board.
The city has been under “Consent Order” for nearly a year because of the antiquated sewer system not functioning as it should.
It also forced the city to approve a moratorium on additions to the sewer system and to prevent the installation of septic tanks where private construction of homes and apartments had already been started.
After a lengthy discussion of financial issues involved in the City of Nahunta’s sewer system construction, the city council voted Friday, December 16, during a called council meeting to go with the low bidders for the city’s sewer construction project and to reapply for the USDA loan to help pay for the upgrades.
City Engineer Ben Turnipseed explained to the mayor and council the certified bid tabulations that were opened December 8 including, Division One-Additions to Existing Water Pollution Control Plant: Southern Civil, LLC $9,106,132.00 and Sawcross, Inc. $10,432,285;
Division Two-Effluent Force Main: Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc $622,142.50 and Thrift Brothers, LLC $711,143.75;
Division Three-Modifications to Existing Pump Stations: Thrift Brothers, LLC $885,899;
Division Four-Sewerage System Rehabilitation: Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc-$538,048.00: CaJenn Construction and Rehabilitation Services, Inc. $688,325.00: and Gulf Coast Underground, LLC $787,562.80
A recommendation was made to award the lowest bidders as Division One to Southern Civil, LLC ($9,106,132.00); Division Two to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. ($622,142.50); Division Three to Thrift Brothers, LLC ($885,899); and Division Four to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc ($538,048).
Mayor Barbara Maefield asked or a motion to award the contract to the lowest bidders with Councilmember Crystal Johns making the motion to award the contracts to the lowest bidders. Councilman Richard Johns seconded the motion with being carried by a 4-0 vote. Voting for the motion were Mayor Pro-Tem Bruce Davis, Councilman Richard Johns, Councilmember Crystal Johns and Councilmember Deloise McFadden.
Mayor Maefield asked for a motion to approve for overage (additional) funding for the project of $5,437,230.
Councilmember Crystal Johns made the motion to approve for additional funding of $5,437,230.00. Councilman Richard Johns seconded the motion and the motion carried by 4-0 vote.
The next Nahunta City Council meeting will be held Monday, January 2.
