City awards airport fuel system contract; staff says city will cover grant match and added costs

The Marion City Council voted unanimously to accept the low bid from Double Check of Wichita for a new 5,000-gallon aviation-fuel tank and dispensing system, staff said.

City staff reported three bids and told council the low bid was $160,224.30. The project relies on a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant that covers most construction costs but requires a roughly 10% local match. Staff told the council that added electrical work, a concrete pad and other items increase the city's share; at one point staff said the additional local funds needed totaled "$37,093 and 30¢." The council voted to proceed with the award and to provide the matching funds and the additional local funding required.

A staff member described the system as a self-contained skid-mounted tank with pump, hose reel and controls that could be moved if necessary; the design and credit-card-compatible fueling system will produce sales reports staff can use to track gallons sold. Council members repeatedly discussed how the city should price fuel to recoup some costs without undercutting nearby regional airports.

Council action: motion to accept Double Check's low bid and to proceed with city matching funds and additional funds as necessary; motion seconded and approved unanimously.

What happens next: staff will finalize contract paperwork with the vendor and proceed with the local funding plan; staff also said they may pursue a grant amendment or monitor KDOT reallocated funds if additional grant dollars become available.