The Knox Board of Works revisited the bids for street paving and changed contractors during a special-called Monday morning meeting. City officials say the initial low bid from E&B Paving does not include enough asphalt to take care of the required 2 inch overlay on Lake Street to handle drainage issues.
Mayor Rick Chambers says the second-lowest bid from Reith-Riley Construction Company includes 126 additional tons of asphalt for $577. A comparable amount from E&B would cost the city more than $8,000 over the bid price. Chambers notes the city doesn’t necessarily accept the lowest bid on projects because of circumstances like these. Board members unanimously approved the switch to Reith-Riley.
Reith-Riley’s bid is $72,567 to pave portions of Lake, East and Potter Streets and Myrtle Court with 1,129 tons of asphalt. Both contractors are required to us a state-approved asphalt mix for the work. Officials note the quality of their work is comparable.
