York County selects Oak Creek Engineering for county bridge inspections

York County commissioners on Feb. 17 voted to contract with Oak Creek Engineering for the county’s bridge inspections after discussing two proposals.

Staff said Oak Creek — the county’s recent contractor for fracture-critical inspections — submitted lower, estimate-based pricing while Speese Lewis provided a fixed-price bid. Commissioners noted that estimate-based work can change in cost if a bridge inspection results in the structure being classified as fracture-critical, whereas a fixed bid locks the initial price but may be higher upfront.

A motion to select Oak Creek Engineering for the inspection work was made, seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners who recorded 'yes' included Bowman, Obermeyer, Burgess, Robertson and Gross.

Board members said their decision considered Oak Creek’s history with county projects, including prior engineering work on a stop-sign project in the southeast corner of the county. Staff clarified that Oak Creek’s proposal was presented as an estimate rather than a sealed bid; the board accepted that approach for now while acknowledging the possibility that costs could increase if additional fracture-critical work is required.

The board directed staff to proceed with contracting with Oak Creek and to provide any necessary clarifications as the inspection schedule and scope are finalized.