Board awards North Fourth Street lighting contract to Van Ert after wide bid spread

The Wausau Board of Public Works on June 23 approved a recommendation to award the 2026 North Fourth Street lighting contract to Van Ert, the low bidder at $41,266.50.

Staff described the work as the installation of conduit, street light bases and pull boxes on Fourth Street from Grant to Franklin. Two bids were opened: Van Ert at $41,266.50 and Zenith Tech at $141,226.22. The project's estimate had been about $45,000.

Staff said the low bidder was familiar with this type of work and that the high bid appeared to come from a firm less experienced on electrical contracts. "It's the installation of conduit and bases, street light bases, and pull boxes on Fourth Street from Grant to Franklin," a staff member said, explaining the scope and why the lower bid was recommended.

Board members noted the large spread between bids and asked for clarification; staff pointed to prior local contractor experience with similar projects as a reason to accept the low bid. After a motion, second and discussion, the recommendation to proceed with Van Ert was approved by voice vote, with three affirmative responses recorded.

The board's action authorizes staff to proceed with awarding the contract to Van Ert per the board's procurement procedures. No further public discussion of this item was recorded at the meeting.