Burke County commissioners voted to award the Ritz Avenue extension contract to Sykes Brothers after receiving seven bids; the low bid submitted was $1,495,125.50. The board directed staff to reduce the work scope, excluding a planned northern leg off Haddon Pond, to align the project with the county’s approximately $1 million budget.
County staff reported seven bids were received and recommended awarding to Sykes Brothers as the low bidder. “We received 7 bids for that project. And myself and Ron have both reviewed those, and both of us agree that, recommending Sykes Bros, for that big budget,” Austin said during the bid presentation.
Austin and other staff noted the current budget for the project is roughly $1 million. Staff said they will pursue value engineering and return to the board with a contract reflecting the reduced scope. When commissioners asked whether pending water and sewer authority actions would affect the project, Austin said, “It shouldn't have an impact. As far as any new developments, there have not been any. The authority is prepared to have a meeting with them... but we are prepared to have that meeting and offer a potential resolution, if they're willing to hear us.”
Motion and vote: Commissioner Nicks moved to accept the low bid from Sykes Brothers; Commissioner Kelly seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with all present commissioners in favor.
Details and next steps: Staff will value‑engineer the project to bring it within budget and will return with contract documents. The board also discussed coordination with the water/sewer authority and said they will reconvene if necessary to address any utility work that could affect the road.