Parks board approves phased $57,800 contract for Fowler Park lift‑station repairs

The Vigo County Parks and Recreation Board voted to award Fowler Park lift‑station repairs to Houdini Services for $57,800 and to phase most of the work across two budget seasons to avoid spending the department’s entire capital allotment this year.

Staff told the board the low bid from Houdini Services was $57,800; the next nearest bid cited in discussion was about $100,000 from Dirt Line. Staff said the department has roughly $30,000 in capital funds available this year and recommended taking $20,000–$30,000 from capital and using park improvement savings to complete roughly three‑quarters of the project now, with the remainder to finish next year.

Board members discussed timing around the camping season and site preparation; staff noted work will be coordinated with seasonal activity and existing contractors have done work for the parks before. No detailed vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the board directed staff to proceed with the low bidder and break the costs across budget years.

The contract award is meant to repair dump stations, replace corroded metal and pumps, and address exterior pipe replacement, according to staff. The department will monitor remaining capital needs for other projects this season as the lift‑station work proceeds.

The board discussed but did not finalize a construction schedule; staff said they will coordinate start dates with the contractor and report back on timing.