The upswing in the economy has benefited many businesses in the region, including those in the construction industry.
While the benefits certainly extend to those who build roads, the abundance of business for road builders has proven to be costly for White County.
During Monday’s White County Commission work session, County Manager Mike Melton told the commissioners when they recently opened bids on some bridge projects in the county, those bids came in at three times the expected cost. White County Public Works Director David Cangemi reported that the bids could go up even more when they mill down the bridge surface.
The higher cost projections didn’t set will with Commission Chairman Travis Turner who said he didn't want construction companies taking advantage of the county.
During Monday’s White County Commission work session, County Manager Mike Melton told the commissioners when they recently opened bids on some bridge projects in the county, those bids came in at three times the expected cost. White County Public Works Director David Cangemi reported that the bids could go up even more when they mill down the bridge surface.
The higher cost projections didn’t set will with Commission Chairman Travis Turner who said he didn't want construction companies taking advantage of the county.
"What we are running into, it seems folks are hunting and picking and they’re going to make it work their time, if they are going to bid on theses projects and they think, we as the county, quote unquote, government, are rolling in cash and we’ll pay whatever," Turner said.
"That’s what it seems like come up on this side of the desk, and we are trying to be diligent with the funds entrusted in us and not get taken to the cleaners."
Commissioners said they plan to discuss the issue further at Monday’s regular county commission meeting.
Commissioners said they plan to discuss the issue further at Monday’s regular county commission meeting.
