Council rejects Tom Varn Park landscaping bids, directs rebid with $115K–$125K ceiling and extended warranty

Brooksville’s council rejected all bids for the Tom Varn Park streetscape and tree‑planting project on June 1 and instructed staff to reissue the solicitation with clearer requirements and a budget ceiling.

Procurement Administrator Emily Bennett (S13) said Morelli Landscaping scored highest among five proposals with an overall bid of about $175,202 and a $69,000 line item for one‑year watering/maintenance. Council members questioned the high watering cost and whether drip irrigation, topsoil and a longer warranty could reduce long‑term city expenses.

One council member said an independent price estimate put the full job (including drip irrigation and dripline installation) in the $115,000–$125,000 range and urged staff to include a drip system and topsoil in the rebid. The city manager and procurement counsel explained that staff cannot negotiate with a selected bidder but can reject all bids and rebid with clarified parameters; the council voted 4–0 to reject bids and requested the new RFP include a price range, drip irrigation, a second‑year warranty and topsoil specifications.

Council members also asked for verification measures so the city can confirm developers or contractors plant and maintain the trees as promised.

Next steps: staff will prepare a revised RFP reflecting the council’s parameters and return with updated procurement materials.