Mayor explains lights contract

Mayor Norma Becker at the Jan. 3 council sessions said the city contracted with Harrison Electric for converting lights in city buildings because they presented the best plan for undertaking the project.

Payment to Harrison of $22,067 was approved with other city bills at the Dec. 20 council session. Councilmen J.W. Roberts and David Nails voted against approving the bill at that session.

Roberts contended the Harrison price for the project was the highest of four offers the city received from contractors for the project. Discussion of the topic was tabled at the Dec. 20 session because Mayor Becker, who authorized hiring Harrison, was not present at that meeting.

Becker explained Jan. 3 the city opted to hire Harrison after they gave a detailed account of what needed to be done and the costs involved. She said overall, she felt Harrison made the best offer on the project.

A year ago, the lights refit project was tabled after Roberts noted the city was considering a low bid from an Idaho bidder over the offer of local electrical contractors.

The city will receive a rebate from Avista for part of the expense and expects to see a reduction in total electrical use.