BYRON – The Byron city council on Wednesday night heard the results of a bid opening last month for an upcoming water project, and the results were lower than expected. Of the five bids received, Kelsey Excavating was the lowest at around $1.75 million, about 30% lower than the engineers estimate. Byron City Engineer Jason Stoll said that much of the cost would be covered by a federal grant they received for $2 million, however the rules for the funding would require a 20% match from the city. City Manager Patricia Diduch noted that they could try to amend the grant to take advantage of all the available funds. In order for the city to get the full $2 million funds, the total costs of the projects would have to be around $2.5 million. Public Works director Aaron Vincer said that this could also be used for street repairs after water main work and the ongoing lead service line replacement program.
The water main project would encompass 2nd Street from Colfax to Walnut, Chestnut from 3rd to 5th, and W. Second Street and Grant Street in some residential backyards. Vincer said he hoped the project would be completed by the end of the year. The council approved the bid unanimously.