COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council voted unanimously to award a $2,890,349.90 road reconstruction contract to Hunter-Prell of Battle Creek, following 4-4 deadlock at their previous June 8 meeting.
The decision followed a formal request from Quincy-based Parrish Excavating to reconsider their bid, despite their proposal coming in at $68,000 higher than the lowest offer.
The council acted on the advisement of city attorney Amanda O’Boyle, who said the city’s purchasing policy was rather vague when it came to choosing local contractors over low bidders.
O’Boyle did say the Hunter-Prell bid did include the use of a local paving company during the project.
She also advised council to revisit the purchasing language to assure there are clear guidelines to follow in the future
The sweeping infrastructure project will target extensive reconstruction and utility improvements across multiple high-traffic streets. Crews will overhaul East Pearl Street from Sprague to Division Street, South Hudson Street from US-12 to East Pearl Street, and West Pearl Street from South Clay Street to Fremont Street.
Budgeted for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the multi-million dollar project will be fully funded through allocations from the City’s Act 51 Major and Local Street Funds.
The project is set to begin sometime this summer.
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