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BERRYVILLE -- Three companies bidding on construction equipment services for the year ahead had their bids accepted when Berryville City Council members met Jan. 3.
Mayor Tim McKinney recommended they accept all three, rather than one, saying the action would give the city the option to choose "who is available and has the best equipment to do the job."
In addition, he said Public Works Director Kirby Murray will have the authority to make that decision on a job-by-job basis.
The three firms include Heavy Constructors of Arkansas, represented by Jimmy Jones; Kirk's Excavation, operated by Kirk Powell Jr.; and Humbard Backhoe and Hauling, owned and operated by Chris Humbard.
McKinney said Humbard has provided the services the past three years.
All three outfits were asked to bid their hourly rate for use of its machinery with operator, and an hourly rate for its operator while not using equipment.
Kirk's and Humbard were the lowest bidders in all categories, except one -- backhoe with hydraulic hammer attachment. Heavy Constructors bid $100 an hour for machine and operator compared to $120 from Kirk's and $115 from Humbard.
Other equipment categories were Cat 320 Excavator, Bobcat 337G Mini-Excavator, Case 580M Backhoe, Cat D4H Dozer, Tri-Axle Dump Truck, and Case 430 Skid Loader.
The operator work rates were bid at $25 an hour from Kirk's and $30 an hour from Heavy Constructors and Humbard.
Another annual bid contract was awarded during the meeting. Carroll County Stone was chosen. It was one of two firms offering to provide aggregate base material. The other was Ozark Southern Stone, located at Elk Ranch north of Eureka Springs. It bid a delivered price per ton for most of its material.
Carroll County Stone, situated at the east end of Berryville, bid "picked up at quarry" rates. It was selected because its "picked up" rates were considerably lower than the competitor's delivered rates.
Items to be provided under the contract include Class 7 base, Class 8 base, 3/4-inch screened rock, 3-inch base rock, and 1/4-inch ice control chips.
The council also approved Resolution 927 that was required to officially adopt the 2012 operating budget for the year ahead that the council previously approved.
The next council meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Berryville City Hall.