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Bids for sewer plant too high

By Shawn Linenberger - | Mar 26, 2003

Uncertainty about the war in Iraq could be having repercussions in Tonganoxie.

The city had solicited bids for construction of a new sewage treatment plant. But the city received only two bids. And the lowest of those was about $1.22 million above the city’s estimated price tag of $2,886,739.

“I cannot stand here in front of you and recommend this contract,” Pat Cox, BG Consultants, told Tonganoxie City Council members Monday night. The city contracts with BG Consultants to provide engineering services.

The city has 60 days to accept or decline the bids. In the meantime, Cox will negotiate with the low-bidder in hopes of reaching a compromise.

The war with Iraq likely affected bids, Cox said. The city’s bid deadline fell within President Bush’s 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam Hussein. Cox said the economic uncertainty during the war could be a factor.

The low bid was submitted by CAS Construction, Topeka. That firm bid $4,107,000, while Irvinbilt Company General Contracting, Chillicothe, Mo., bid $5,000 more than CAS Construction.

Cox will report to the council on April 14 about negotiations.