Cost of Sherry Street project higher than expected

FINDLAY — Replacement of the sanitary sewer along Sherry Street may cost much more than the city expected. Legislation introduced to Findlay City Council at its regular meeting on Tuesday would waive a requirement to re-bid the project due to the unexpected expense. Three bids were received on the project, ranging from $169,025 to $179,550, and opened on June 24. All three were over the city's estimate by more than 20%, triggering the need to re-bid the project, according to state law. In a letter to council, dated June 25, City Engineer Jeremy Kalb asked council to waive the requirement and authorize the city administrators to enter into a contract. "Due to the timing of the project, it is desired to waive the formal bidding process, so that we can get moving on the project and still have the roadway paved by the end of the year," said Kalb. "All of the bids received for the project were over 20% of the engineer's estimate, and per the Ohio Revised Code, the city cannot officially accept any bids over the 20% threshold." Kalb said the city's Engineering Department does not think a second round of bidding will lower the price, since there would be no changes in the plans. Televising of the sewer earlier this year showed the drainage pipe to be severely damaged. If approved by council, the contract will go to Helms & Sons Excavating Inc., Findlay, with the lowest and best bid of $169,025. A total of $180,000 would be appropriated from the city's sewer fund to pay for the project and provide a contingency. Legislation to fund the city's annual large diameter sewer cleaning project was also introduced to council on Tuesday. One bid was received and opened on June 24. If approved by council, the contract will go to Equix Integrity Inc., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, for $193,713. A total of $220,000 will be appropriated from the city's sewer fund to cover the project costs and provide a contingency.