The Cottage Grove Utility Commission on Nov. 12 authorized staff to continue advertising the Well 2 construction contract after an update from the director/engineer.

The director said Strand’s 90% drawings and specifications were included in the commission packet and that he will review comments with Strand before the project goes to bid. “Currently, the budget that was approved the overall budget including soft costs and construction costs was $2,265,000,” the director said, adding that Strand’s construction estimate ranges “about $1.6 to $2.0 million.” He also said a third-party well rehabilitation, coordinated separately from the facilities contract, is “looking to be about a $175,000.”

The commission had no substantive objections and voted to permit continued advertisement of the project; staff indicated bidding is targeted for December. The director noted that final bid results will determine whether the project remains within the approved budget.

Why it matters: Well 2 is a capital facility project that mixes construction, soft costs and a separate rehabilitation scope; the commission’s authorization to advertise moves the project toward contractor selection and potential construction next year. The director said staff will report back with bid results and any recommended adjustments to scope or budget.

What’s next: Staff plans to advertise the contract in coming weeks and to return with bid results; the commission’s authorization was procedural and does not commit any funds beyond the approved budget.