Steele County to move ahead with $≈1.27 million road sealcoat package, contingent on Hope's participation

Steele County commissioners on April 7 authorized staff to move forward with awarding a sealcoat contract for County Road 5, County Road 8 and related entrances, contingent on the City of Hope’s decision about an alternate scope.

County staff member Mike told the board the low bid for the full package came from Asphalt Preservation Company (Detroit Lakes, Minnesota). He said the base bid is listed at roughly $960,000 and two alternates — a parking-lot/entrance alternative and a downtown Hope main-street alternative — were about $28,000 and $48,000 respectively, bringing the full package to about $1.27 million if all alternates are included. Mike recommended awarding the full project but making the award contingent on the city’s approval for its alternate.

Commissioner Perry moved to approve the award as recommended; Commissioner Brandon seconded. A single commissioner voiced opposition but the motion carried.

The board discussed funding for the work. Mike said the county will use the remainder of a named local allocation (referred to in the meeting as the “prairie dog” fund) and other highway-tax distributions to cover the budget gap. He advised the board to coordinate with the City of Hope on the timing and reimbursements before finalizing payment arrangements.

The vote authorizes staff to finalize contract paperwork pending confirmation that Hope will reimburse or commit to its alternate. The county’s procurement staff said the contractor’s schedule and the state DOT bid calendars mean timing is flexible but that project completion is scheduled for later in the construction season.

What happens next: staff will confirm the City of Hope’s participation and, if the city approves its alternate, finalize the contract award to the low bidder and return to the board with the finalized contract and schedule.