Per-job bidding could save county money

In light of increasing costs for goods and service, it seems our representatives would be increasing oversight of the various departments in our county. Recent potential sources of waste such as purchasing Dodge Chargers for the Sheriff's Office or the proposed construction of a detention facility come to mind.

I recently became aware of a project on East Elmira Road which employed five or more sets of doubles to haul gravel to the project for more than a week. Having been involved in writing and reviewing bid specs for more than 20 years, I wondered why they were hauling from a pit a distance of approximately 17 miles from the job, as opposed to utilizing a much closer facility, which is approximately 9.5 miles from this job. This is a savings of 15 miles every round trip in terms of diesel fuel, labor costs and vehicle wear.

Upon inquiring of Chuck Spickelmire's office at Road and Bridge, I was referred to an engineer who informed me that the county bid on gravel on an annual basis. When I called attention to the fact that individuals could bid much lower on a per job basis when faced with these kinds of savings, I was informed that this was being considered by the county and could quite possibly be utilized.

I would very much welcome any input from our government representatives and/or any concerned citizens.

LAWRENCE PEDERSEN

Ponderay