RMLD 10-20-2026

The RMLD Board of Commissioners meeting, held October 20, 2026, approved three procurement awards. The Board awarded IFB 2026-3 for Station 6 duct-bank construction and feeder getaways to Pine Ridge Technologies, Inc. for $5,558,111 as the lowest responsible and eligible bidder; the motion passed 5–0. The work is expected to begin in spring 2027, with most traffic-sensitive work planned overnight. The Board also approved a reel-turret trailer purchase from Sabra Manufacturing Company for $131,890 (the sole bidder) and a self-loading single-reel trailer from RealStrong LLC, doing business as RealStrong Utility Fleet, for $47,842.82. The vote totals for the two trailer awards were not clearly captured in the transcript.

Staff presented, but the Board did not vote on, the proposed 2027 operating and capital budgets. The capital budget was described as approximately $34 million authorized, with about $28.5 million expected to be spent in 2027; major items include Station 6, a planned warehouse, system reliability work, AMI, fleet purchases, and an ERP replacement. The ERP RFP development and selection support are expected to be operating costs, while initial software and implementation costs are included in capital planning. The Board discussed improving public visibility of bid opportunities, including posting solicitations on RMLD’s website in addition to legally required advertising and direct vendor outreach; staff said they would check the practice. Rate scenarios and the cost-of-service study were also discussed, with further review expected at a November meeting, but no rate or budget decision was made.