The Bay County Board of County Commissioners voted Feb. 19 to award contract ITB 20458 — North Bay Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Phase 1A — to Royal American Construction Company Inc. for $4,148,597 and authorized the chairman to execute the contract and any attorney-approved modifications.

The project was presented by Bobby Gibbs of Utility Services, who told commissioners the contract award request was ready and that construction would take about 11 months once started. Gibbs said the county expects to begin work “in 30 days.”

Commissioners and staff noted the bids came in lower than expected. Commissioner Peace said the county saved more than $2 million on the project during the procurement process, and that the lower bids likely allow the county to extend the conversion to additional phases.

Gibbs confirmed that running sewer lines as part of the conversion will not require immediate disconnection of existing septic systems for property owners: “It is not going to require anybody to immediately come off of their septic systems up there.” He also said staff will provide neighborhood notifications when work is scheduled.

The motion to approve the contract passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

The project is the initial phase of converting septic-served areas in North Bay to public sewer; staff said follow-up phases (including Phase 1B to Risota Beach Road North) are being prepared for bid and that the county is pursuing funding through the Gulf Consortium and RESTORE programs.

Construction timing, outreach and funding remain subject to standard contract execution and grant approvals. The board did not adopt additional conditions beyond the contract authorization.

Votes at the meeting recorded in favor were Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Peace, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield and Chairman Moore.