A $13 million transportation complex contract was cancelled and re-awarded to the next bidder for $87,700 more

What happened

In April 2026 the board awarded construction of a new transportation complex to H&S Construction and Mechanical at up to $12,950,000, drawing the money from capital reserve. On June 29 it rescinded that award and gave the work to Newport Construction Corporation at up to $13,037,700, revising the reserve withdrawal upward to match. The resolution explains the reversal only as necessary 'due to administrative review and/or corrective action' and names nothing further; the minutes record no discussion of what the review found.

Why it matters to families

A thirteen-million-dollar construction award changing hands two months after it was made, with the reason given in eleven words, is the kind of item residents usually only learn about later. The published record does not say whether the first award was defective, protested, or withdrawn.

The evidence

The June resolution states: 'WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is necessary and in the best interest of the Board to rescind the prior award due to administrative review and/or corrective action', and awards the contract to Newport Construction Corporation 'at a cost not to exceed $13,037,700.00'.

The source