Debate over public bids and perceived conflict of interest surfaces after council comments on Rhino Excavating

Cole Carter, a Mapleton resident who identified himself with local construction work, addressed the council after remarks at a prior meeting that described a lack of transparency in the public bid process. Carter asked who was being accused of hiding information and said the statements harmed local contractors.

Carter told the council, “Rhino Excavating has been in business for 7 to 8 years, has done several $100,000,000 in revenue. Mapleton City is less than 1% of that overall work. We have saved them by being low bid. Rhino has saved the city $1,800,000.” He said Rhino frequently provided low bids and that some recent competing firms submitted change orders after award.

Another councilmember identified in discussion as Darren had earlier said he had concerns and felt “uncomfortable” with aspects of a bid award; later in the meeting Darren clarified he did not believe anyone acted unethically or broke the law. Mayor (title used in meeting) responded that perception issues arise in elected office and that Mapleton's disclosure processes have been followed. The mayor said, “We have an existing process to disclose, to present conflicts of interest. Everything was followed appropriately.”

Council members and the mayor urged civility in public comments and noted that being a visible mayor or elected official creates perceptions of conflicts even when disclosure procedures are followed. No formal vote or ordinance change regarding the bid process or conflict disclosures occurred at the meeting.