The Knox City Council last night approved a motion to add up to $20,000 to the lift station project from the city’s Sewer Improvement Fund after Mayor Rick Chambers explained that the bids for the project came in just over the estimated cost. Territorial Engineering had estimated that the project would cost around $188,000, and the lowest bid came in at $170,405; unfortunately, with engineering and contingency costs, Chambers said the council would need to appropriate another $20,000 toward the project.
Territorial Engineering had put together a list of alternates for the project, including a second forced main in the area. Chambers said they had originally looked into a six-inch main, but a four-inch main would likely suffice. Until the ground is dug up, however, Chambers said they won’t know for sure.
Territorial Engineering had requested $10,000 in contingency fees to ensure that any problems that are encountered during construction can be dealt with and avoid any potential delays. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston recommended that those funds be taken from the Sewer Improvement Fund instead of EDIT, and the council approved a motion to appropriate $20,000 toward the project only to be used if necessary.
