Sewer project could be back on track

By Staff
Hartselle's City Council appears to have worked out a way to extend sewer services to its property east of Interstate 65 while keeping the project to its budgeted cost.
The council rejected a $1.6 million bid from Morgan Contractors and is opting to use a state law that allows them to renegotiate with the low bidder. The arrangement would have to be approved by the State Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
The renegotiated amount would be some $860,000, allowing the city to put up some $550,000 under the $558,000 allotted for the project in the municipal budget.
As part of the lower cost, city employees and employees from Hartselle Utilities will be providing some of the grading and installation work. HU will be providing gas and water service to the property.
City leaders hope the utilities at the site will bring commercial development to the 18 acres of prime interstate property.