The Bay County Board of County Commissioners voted to award a construction contract to Royal American Construction Company Inc. for the North Bay septic-to-sewer conversion Phase 1A project, authorizing the chairman to sign the contract and allow modifications approved by the county attorney.

Bobby Gibbs of the countys Utility Services Division presented the item, saying, "This request is for the board to award contract ITB20458 North Bay septic to sewer conversion phase 1 a in the amount of $4,148,597 to Royal American Construction Company Inc and authorized the chairman to execute the contract and make any necessary contract modification as approved by the county attorney." Gibbs told commissioners the county saved more than $2 million in the bidding process.

Gibbs said construction is expected to take about 11 months after contract award and that the initial phase will not force immediate disconnection of private septic systems; connections will be made available but are not mandatory. He also said staff is preparing bid documents for Phase 1B, which would extend service to areas up to Risota Beach Road North, and staff is seeking funding from the Gulf Consortium and RESTORE-related sources for later phases. Commissioners asked whether residents would receive notification before construction; Gibbs said county staff would provide notices once a schedule is set.

The board approved the contract award by roll-call vote during the regular agenda. The motion and second were recorded and the roll call showed affirmative votes by the commissioners present; the motion passed.