The Finance Committee meeting held by the City Council of Bangor, Maine, on October 7, 2025, focused on critical infrastructure needs, particularly concerning heating systems in municipal buildings.

The committee discussed the urgent need for a new boiler installation at Building 253, which has ceased functioning and requires immediate replacement to ensure heating for the winter. Three vendors submitted bids, and the committee recommended awarding the contract to Sullivan and Merritt for the boiler replacement. Additionally, the airport's AIB boiler will be converted from oil to natural gas, with CCB Construction selected for the replacement of a feed tank, as they were the lowest bidder for that component. Both companies have a positive track record with the city.

The discussion also highlighted a budget shortfall of $161.09 for the boiler project. However, the committee noted that savings from another project, the Dock 12 water infiltration project, which came in significantly under budget at $30,000 instead of the allocated $400,000, would allow for the necessary reallocation of funds to cover the shortfall.

The committee clarified that both the contract awards and the fund reallocations could be addressed in a single motion, streamlining the approval process. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the contracts with the proposed amendments.

In addition to the boiler discussions, the committee reviewed a request for fleet tube heaters. Only one bid was received from Dead River Company, which was $32,003.14, well below the $50,000 budgeted for the project. The committee acknowledged the efforts made to reach out to other vendors, although they showed no interest in submitting bids.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to maintaining essential services and infrastructure while effectively managing its budget. The next steps will involve finalizing the contracts and reallocating funds to ensure timely project completion ahead of the winter season.