Inflation may affect the number of roads Gilmer County can pave this year.
Gilmer County commissioners heard this from Public Works Director Jim Smith at the board’s work session on April 13.
“We are experiencing dramatic increases in prices,” he said. Up to 30 percent increases on some materials.
Smith presented a letter from Vulcan Materials Company presenting increases on stone used by the county road department.
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said no cuts to the road paving list have been made or even identified at this time. A total of $944,221 is budgeted for various projects on 15 roads.
“We haven’t even looked at that, yet,” he said. “We just know there is a possibility some won’t.”
Paris said once costs have been gathered, they will look at the shortfall and see which, if any, roads have to be pushed to next year’s paving list.
Another option is to find additional funding for paving, but, Paris said, postponing paving a road or roads would be more likely.
Post Commissioner Hubert Parker asked about the bidding process. Gilmer County commissioners approve bids for stone and other materials each year.
Smith told the board there is no contract, they just perform commodity bidding.
“So, the bidding process doesn’t do us any good,” Parker said.
Paris said he understands there is no contract and Vulcan can legally change the prices.
“In my mind, if Vulcan reneges on that bid price that they gave us, we just don’t buy anything else from them,” Paris said.
Gilmer County has never had a company change their prices after bidding, even without a contract, he said.
“I don’t see the point of bidding it out if the companies aren’t going to honor the prices,” Paris said.
Parker asked about other materials. Smith answered there was no contract signed on any commodities.
“We need to change the way we do business then,” Parker said.
In other business:
- Commissioners were told they are closer to bidding the reconfigured pool. Construction will hopefully begin in July.
- During the regular meeting, prior to the public speaking portion, Paris announced a 10 minute time limit was being put in place for all citizens wishing to speak.