Owensville’s Board of Aldermen on May 6 approved two bids for the Public Works Department including one worth $451,204 for a lead water service line abatement project.

“We’ve been trying to not use the cheapest bidder out of all of our bidders,” Public Works Director Jeff Fahrenholtz told the board. “Being just federal money, they don’t want to do anything but use the cheapest bidder.”

Bids were received by 10 different companies, including quotes from companies in New York, Iowa, southern Illinois, and Missouri.

With a difference of $504,316 between the highest and lowest bids, All Clear Pumping of Centertown, Mo., received approval for their low bid.

Other bids were $581,300 by Byrne & Jones, $665,784 by Archer Elgin, $821,420 by Horner & Shifrin, $648,490 by Bahr Hydro Excavation, HBK Engineering of Iowa at $548,432, $552,180 by Hunt Environmental of St. Louis, $487,357.90 by Schulte Supply of St. Peters and southern Illinios, $955,520 by Reconn Utility Services of Bohemia, N.Y., and $585,760 by Total H20 Solutions.

The winning bid by All Clear Pumping includes $3,200 for records review, $316,484 for excavation, $41,880 for visual inspection, and $89,640 for administrative services.

The motion to accept was made by Cathy Lahmeyer, president of the board, and seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Matt Kramme.

It passed with all in favor.

A separate bid for de-icing salt was also approved during the meeting.

Fahrenholtz shared with the board that three bids were received with the low bid from Central Salt LLC at $99.67 per ton.

Additional bids were received by Gunther Salt Company for $111.30 per ton and Compass Minerals America, Inc., at $99.93 per ton.

Central Salt LLC was also the provider of last year’s salt; however, the price went up $1.85 due to the cost of fuel prices related to delivery.

Only 50 tons of salt were purchased last year, but Fahrenholtz plans to use more salt than cinders this coming year.

Up to 100 tons can be purchased under the new agreement.

The motion to accept the bid was made by Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl and seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Danny Breeden. It passed without opposition.