LIVERMORE — Selectpersons on Tuesday evening reviewed five bids to build a sand and salt shed, but made no decision after seeing the significant differences in prices.

The bids, which ranged from $389,000 to $647,700, and options will be presented at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at the Livermore Elementary School. 

Contractors making offers for a 60- by 127-foot building, site work and paving, were: Bowman Constructors, Newport; David P. Trask and Son, Hudson; John Lupo Construction, Etna; Blane Casey Building Contractor, Augusta; and Crapott’s Corp., Livermore Falls.

Estimates for the three components also varied widely. Costs for paving ranged from $2,800 to $25,000; site work from $65,000 to $150,000; and the building, a difference of almost $250,000.

Selectperson Megan Dion said she doesn’t know how the prices can be so different.

Last year, voters approved spending up to $20,000 to hire an engineer for the work, but opposed spending up to $265,000 to build a shed.  

This year, they will be asked to borrow up to $400,000 for the project. 

Selectperson Timothy Kachnovich suggested having one building large enough for the salt and enough mixed material for one or two storms, and a separate building for the sand.

Selectperson Mark Chretien said more local people could have bid on a stick-built building. which would be cheaper. 

Resident Johnny Castonguay said the town can do better.

“Present everything at the meeting next week, get everything in place and build it next year. What is one more year? We don’t need the state’s money,” Castonguay said.

A year ago, town officials received a certified letter from the Maine Department of Transportation saying Livermore is one of 17 towns eligible to receive partial state assistance for constructing a sand/salt shed.

To receive the state funds, a preliminary plan had to be submitted by Aug. 1, 2015. Final construction plans need to be reviewed by Aug. 1, with construction completed by Aug. 1, 2017.

A construction loan with 1.5 percent interest is available through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The town would be reimbursed for about 37 percent of the costs by the Maine Department of Transportation.

If a shed is not constructed, the town could be subject to DEP action.

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