The replacement of the C.R. 100W bridge near the city limits took another step forward Monday as the Board of Commissioners opened bids for the project.
Five companies from around the state submitted bids ranging from $1.4 million to $2 million. The lowest was sent in by Milestone Contractors of Lafayette.
The other companies bidding for the project are Duncan Robertson in Franklin, HIS Constructors of Indianapolis, White Construction in Clinton and Calumet Civil Contractors of Whitestown.
County engineer Jim Peck will review the proposals and make his recommendation to the commissioners.
The estimated $1.65 million project between C.R. 300N and 400N calls for replacing the bridge and moving it upstream so the road can be realigned to eliminate an “s” curve.” Construction is expected to be finished by August 2021.
Commissioners also approved the 2021 insurance plan for county employees. Annual contributions will remain the same, but the plan switches both the pharmacy benefit manager and the dental, vision, life and disability insurance provider.
The changes could save the county as much as $212,000 annually, according to a presentation by employee benefits services provider Apex. Beginning next year, employees will have the option to purchase additional life insurance on their own and for their spouses or children.
Commissioners approved an ordinance establishing the Montgomery County Mapping Department. The department, which opens Jan. 1, will be responsible for GIS mapping and oversee the county’s address confidentiality and numbering systems.
Moving the services from their current home in the building department provides a clear chain of command for mapping the county, officials say. Commissioners will hire a director who reports to the county administrator.
In other business, commissioners accepted a $66,657 bid from Conner Excavating of Darlington for construction of an access road to the landfill from Memorial Drive, contingent upon county engineer Peck’s approval.
Conner was the only company to submit a bid. The proposal comes in nearly $12,000 above the total estimated cost of the project, but Peck said the funds are available.
The commissioners next regular meeting is at 8 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Montgomery County Courthouse.
