Council places Swank change order on file after debate over $118,000 procurement threshold

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners voted Dec. 22 to concur and place on file communication 2025-597, a change order request for Swank Enterprises to add polymer water heaters and sampling taps to the Solids Handling and Dewatering Improvements Project.

Public Works Director Mark Neri said the change order, about $118,000, covered items that were left out of the original contract and that Swank secured three quotes for the work. Commissioner Fisher objected that purchases over the county's $80,000 procurement threshold should go out to formal competitive bid. "If it's over $80,000, they're supposed to be bid out," Fisher said.

County Attorney Anruth told commissioners she will provide a more in-depth legal analysis after the first of the year to confirm whether the change order process in this case required formal bidding. Director Neri said the project was scheduled to start Jan. 15 and that holding the change order until a bid process could create delays.

Commissioner Fisher moved to concur and place the communication on file pending the county attorney's guidance; the motion passed 9–0.