Barnesville’s council took several infrastructure actions in 2020: it accepted a construction bid for a 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) water and sewer project, authorized Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) paving, and selected consultants to pursue a 2021 CDBG application for Phase II of the same neighborhood improvements.
On June 1 the council unanimously accepted a $1,049,000 bid from RDJE, Inc., the low bidder for the 2019 CDBG project covering water and sewer improvements on Washington, Jenkins, First and Jackson Streets. Two bids were noted (RDJE $1,049,000; Site Engineering $1,610,911.03). Council members said the work will upgrade mains and manholes in the target neighborhoods.
Separately, on July 6 the council accepted the low bid from Blount Construction ($143,959.10) for the 2020 LMIG paving project, which includes College Drive from Carleeta Street to the four‑lane.
During October the council selected Allen‑Smith Consulting to provide 2021 CDBG grant writing/administration services and Goodwyn‑Mills‑Cawood for CDBG engineering. At a December public hearing Allen‑Smith Consulting described a proposed Phase II target area overlapping Phase I and confirmed the project will concentrate on water mains, sewer mains and manholes; consultants said no displacement is expected and the project complies with applicable HUD rules.
Why it matters: CDBG and LMIG dollars fund critical water, sewer and roadway upgrades in lower‑income neighborhoods; the selection of a consultant team and contractor moves the projects from planning into execution and positions the city to seek additional federal funds.
How the council acted: motions to accept bids and to retain consultants were approved unanimously in recorded votes; staff said work orders and schedules will follow standard procurement and contracting steps.
Quote: "On motion... Council unanimously approved RDJE Inc.'s bid for the 2019 CDBG Project for water and sewer improvements," City Manager Rose stated.