Rising Sun pauses Mount Street waterline and broadband work as bids run high; Pearl Street paving remains unresolved

Town officials told the commission on Sept. 27 that planned infrastructure work on Mount Street — including a waterline and town broadband conduit — is on hold after construction bids came back far above budget.

The town administrator said the bids 'came in incredibly high' and attributed much of the cost escalation to supply‑chain pressures. He said the grantor that awarded funds is aware and staff are working with the county on right‑of‑way and signage issues north of Keppel's Mill, where the town does not control the roadway and would need county permission to install signage.

On Pearl Street, staff reported the pavement base by the school is substantially deteriorated. The town administrator said large paving firms have declined the full mill‑and‑rebuild and the town will pursue smaller contractors that handle driveways or seek other repair approaches; current in‑house patching is not holding.

Why it matters: delayed water and broadband work affects residents on Mount Street and could push project timelines and costs higher; failing pavement at Pearl Street adjacent to the school creates safety and maintenance concerns that may require outside contractors or phased fixes.

Town staff said they will continue outreach to larger contractors and, if necessary, contract smaller firms with suitable equipment. No formal contract awards or votes were taken at the Sept. 27 meeting.