Timco apparent low bidder on Bucyrus sewer project; award contingent on USDA review and final verification

During the July 16 study session county staff reported the bid opening for the Bucyrus sewer project. Five bids were opened; the engineer’s estimate had been about $3.5 million and bids ranged from approximately $3.64 million to higher offers. The apparent low bidder was Timco at $3,641,035.

Staff said BG Consultants and the county’s grant consultant are verifying the bid tabulation and that the contract award should be contingent on USDA Rural Development review because the project includes federal funding. "The apparent low bidder is Timco at $3,641,035. That's roughly $72,000 over the engineer's estimate," staff said, recommending that commissioners accept the bid subject to USDA review and the engineer’s verification.

Funding and asset disposition
Staff reiterated prior discussion that the project currently has a funding gap of roughly $600,000 after combining federal and state grants, county ARPA funds and the city of Spring Hill’s ARPA contribution. County staff said ongoing negotiations with the city envision transferring ownership of the completed sewer asset to the City of Spring Hill, which staff said would eliminate the county’s remaining $600,000 liability; staff reported the city remains interested and county and city attorneys are finalizing the sale/transfer agreement language.

Timeline and next steps
If commissioners accept the apparent low bid and USDA approves the project, staff said the county expects contractor mobilization and a typical 12‑month construction cycle. Staff cautioned the USDA rural development reviewer for Kansas is currently a single point of contact and that review timing could be longer than average because of staffing constraints; county staff estimated USDA review could take 30–45 days. Staff advised awarding conditionally pending USDA and final verification and returning with a contract for signature when the reviews are complete.