Single bid pushes cost above projections; city says EPA deadlines require immediate action
VAN WERT, Ohio — Van Wert City Council on Monday approved a $700,000 supplemental appropriation after the city’s combined sewer overflow project came in over budget, a move officials said was necessary to keep the work on schedule under Ohio EPA requirements.
Safety‑Service Director Jay Fleming told council the project was originally estimated at $1.85 million, but the lone bid received totaled $2.1 million, pushing the cost above projections. Because the project is tied to state environmental compliance, the city must move forward despite the higher price.
“That project’s engineer’s estimate was about 1.85 million. It came in at 2.1 million with only one bidder,” Fleming said during the meeting. “Because we’re under guidelines with Ohio EPA, we have to move that project forward.”
City Auditor Erika Blackmore requested the additional $700,000 from Fund 602, the city’s sewer fund, to cover the difference and allow the contract to be awarded. Council introduced and passed Ordinance 26‑05‑031 as an emergency measure, suspending statutory rules to approve the appropriation on its first and final reading.
The CSO project is part of the city’s long‑term effort to meet state and federal requirements for reducing sewer overflows during heavy rain events. No discussion occurred Monday regarding potential future rate impacts, and officials did not indicate any immediate changes for residents.