Frank Smedley says a new financial plan and water rate study – the town’s first since 2002 – will likely result in a “significant” rate hike.
And that will require a public meeting, where town officials are sure to receive numerous questions and comments, he said. That is why Smedley, the town’s Water Superintendent, feels it is important to have the best and most thorough study possible.
With that in mind, he recommended last week that council accept a tender from Watson and Associates for $29,900 – even though that was not the lowest received by the town. The other three bids ranged from $20,300 to $36,119.
“It’s a supply and demand issue,” Smedley said of the services of Watson and Associates, with whom the town has worked closely – and successfully – on past projects including the water rate study, the town’s last two development charges studies and the Public Sector Accounting Board compliance report.
He said the town has never worked with the lowest bidder, and Finance Director Sharon Marshall said in addition to the unknown, that would mean more work for town staff.
Marshall also opined that the low bid seems modest considering the amount of work that firm would have to do, while the Watson bid is likely more realistic.
“We felt it was the best value for the money,” she said.
But councillor Ken Chapman said the 50% difference between the quotes is significant. He said if town staff has to put in a little extra work, then so be it.
Councillor Barb Tocher originally said the justification for accepting the Watson and Associates quote “really don’t cut it for me,” but after some discussion she voted in favour of Smedley’s recommendation.
The only councillor opposed was Chapman, who called for a recorded vote on the matter. The result means the town will proceed with Watson and Associates.
