BELLE VERNON – Borough Council learned Monday that bids for its stormwater and wastewater system separation project came in at least 25 percent more than expected. Council initially believed the project would cost about $1.4 million. At a meeting Monday night, project engineer Russ Mechling, of Fayette Engineering Co. Inc., of Uniontown, said nine bids for the work ranged from $1,734,810 to $2,693,581. Mechling said council should avoid a second round of bids. He said similar bids could be anticipated. Mechling suggested council choose the low bidder, R.A. Monzo Construction, of Latrobe. The engineer said he would work with the company to cut excess costs. He said the plan can be adjusted to reduce the overall price. For example, he said plans to replace some manholes can be eliminated. Mechling said the budget includes $140,000 to cover additional project costs. He said about half of that amount could be eliminated. “We’re going to have to be awfully careful that we don’t run into anything additional during the project,” he said. “I’m pretty sure we can control that.” In an effort to finance the project, the borough received a $974,300 grant and an $880,450 low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. PENNVEST is a state agency that provides grants and low-interest loans for municipal and wastewater projects. The borough will pay off the 1 percent-interest loan over 30 years. Council must submit the final project cost to PENNVEST by Nov. 7. Council agreed to continue its regular meeting to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 so Mechling can inform the board how much of the cost increase can be eliminated. Mechling told council it should set its service fees related to the project sometime this month. The charge per customer will have to rise should the project cost increase. Council formerly stated that the new system would cost each customer $6.26 a month. But it is uncertain how many customers will be charged because council has yet to determine if such facilities as the community’s senior high rise will be charged as one customer or if each unit will pay individually. Mechling said January bills should reflect the project cost. In an unrelated matter, council awarded a contract for road salt to American Rock Salt, of Mount Morris, N.Y. Council will pay $40.18 a ton to have the salt delivered as needed. Mayor Jim Bitonti said council was able to save $8 a ton by hiring the new company. The borough used 60 tons of salt during last year’s mild winter.

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