St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a $1.7 million project to replace lead water lines around the community. At a meeting this past week, they heard from City Engineer Tim Zebell about the project within the vicinity of the I-94 Business Loop ahead of an MDOT repaving project south of Hoyt Street this summer. As new state rules for lead in drinking water take effect, the city has to replace old services lines. The two bidders for the project were B&Z Company of Benton Township, and SWT Excavating of Galesburg. Although SWT’s bid was lower, Commissioner Michael Sarola said it was only $12,000 lower, and the city has experience with B&Z.
“They’ve helped us in times of need on an emergency basis in the past,” Sarola said. “They have a history of being honest with bids when they come in under the bid amount, and I think that history justifies the price difference.”
Mayor Laura Goos agreed, saying having a local and engaged contractor would be worth the slightly higher cost. The commissioners voted to hire B&Z. Also included in the plan will be lead line replacements along the I-94 Business loop north of Hoyt Street, to take place ahead of a 2027 MDOT reconstruction project on the road.
