Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Parker low bidder on rural water project

Bids for the rural water project were opened Thursday, June 19, with John Parker of Palenstine the low bidder.

Parker's bid was $2,897,778.50 for the pipe work. The low bidder for the water tanks was Circle P Welding. Circle P's bid was $285,626.

Construction should begin 30 days after the contractor is officially hired. This will give them time to hire crews and purchase the materials needed to begin work.

Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, said there have been some rumors the project could be delayed because of easement problems. However, these are nothing more than rumors, he pointed out to the Prescott City Council at its monthly meeting, Monday, June 16.

With the bids coming in under budget, some areas which had been cut may be able to be added back.

Chadwell said the steel should be going up for Prescott Rubber, Inc., once it dries up somewhat.

The foundation for the new factory is in place, but the recent rains have kept any further work from being done.

Bids for the sidewalk project will be opened on July 1, with construction to begin in August, he said.

When work on the sidewalks begins, some businesses will be blocked, causing an inconvenience for a while.

"Most people will be understanding," he said.

Chadwell said he could spend his entire work week doing nothing but applying for grants. However, he's getting in touch with people, groups or organizations with special project and letting them know where they can apply for grant money.

He told Prescott High School Athletic Director David Maxwell about a grant to resurface the track. If the district were to be awarded the grant, it could received up to $50,000.

Calls have been coming in to the EDO about a skating park for young people. Chadwell said he found a grant through the Tony Hawk Foundation he will apply for. If successful, he said, the skating and bike ramp would most likely be built inside the city park.

Under old business, Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said the city will be trying to sell its old cars sometime this month. At this time, though, city employees are trying to find a secure place for the vehicles to be stored.

In addition, he said, the city is trying to run down the ownership of some old buildings in town so they can be demolished.

Taylor told the council paperwork has been sent to the Arkansas Department of Health for a grant so the city can fluoridate its water supply. However, it will be at least 60 days before the city hears from the ADH.

The council also discussed street repair and how to fund it.

Chadwell said the city could try to pass a bond issue and do all the work at once.

The other alternative he suggested was for the city to pay as it goes. This could be done if voters would approve a sales tax with a sunshine clause. The sunshine clause would be when the tax would automatically be removed from the books.

Such a tax, he said, would generate about $400,000 a year, and if done for a five-year period, the city would have $2 million to work with.