By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lone bid for swimming pool rejected
great bend city logo

Only one bid was received for a new municipal swimming pool, and its “just shy of $11 million” price tag exceeded the $8 million estimate, City Administrator Logan Burns said on Monday. The City will reject that bid and try to keep the existing pool operational for another year.

“This is dramatically over the proposed estimate that we have,” Burns said. It was expected to be about $8 million, not counting the design cost.

Burns said the low-bidder turnout was due, in part, to the proposed duration of the project, with a tight turnaround.

“At this point we plan to open the pool for another season next year, but we can’t guarantee that we’ll make it through the entire season with some of the shape that the components are in,” he said.

The city has applied for a $2 million land and water conservation grant but won’t know if it was awarded until January, at the earliest, Burns said. If the city is awarded the grant, it will take another look at the pool design, see if there are areas where costs can be cut, and bid the project again in the early spring. By releasing bid specifications earlier, the city would give prospective contractors more time to work on the project.

More projects

This was part of Burns’ regular report to the City Council. Other items in his report included:

  • The City has released the Requests for Proposals for replacing 10,783 square feet of concrete at the Great Bend Events Center. Bids are due by Sept. 11. All of the information is posted on the city website, greatbendks.gov, under the “Business” tab.
  • Burns extended thanks to members of the council, city staff and the public who attended the Town Hall sales tax meeting on Aug. 25. Approximately 75 to 80 people were there. There will be another Town Hall at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Great Bend Events Center. The City also plans to host a Great Bend Chamber Coffee this Thursday, Sept. 3. It will start at 9 a.m. in the Fort Zarah Conference Room at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St. The program starts at 9:30 a.m.
  • The annual Citywide Cleanup will be Oct. 9-18.