Council delays decision on $6.57M irrigation Phase 2 award after finance requests more analysis

Corey presented a recommendation to award the irrigation efficiency Phase 2 contract to Interstate Rock, which he said "was the low bid at $6,568,824.50." Several council members expressed support for construction but finance staff said they had additional questions after receiving updated cost and NRCS‑funding information late; one finance representative said the fund could run a more than $300,000 annual deficit for years under current assumptions.

Council members debated whether to make the system mandatory for new and existing customers, potential connection costs, and timing of culinary‑rate coordination. Chase (remote) and other staff said holding the award for one meeting would let finance provide an updated recommendation. The council voted to continue the item to the next meeting so staff could deliver clearer financials and a recommended implementation approach.

No final construction contract was awarded at this meeting; staff said further financial reconciliation with NRCS grant status and operating projections is required before the council will act.