OXFORD, Ga. – The Oxford City Council voted unanimously to give the city the go-ahead to hire contractors to complete work on the East Clark Street extension at its Monday night meeting.  

The project was approved by the council as part of the city’s FY2018 Capital Budget in June. It calls for the complete redevelopment of the corridor including water, sewer, electric, street, sidewalk and drainage.

Assistant City Manager Matthew Pepper told members three bids were received on the work and recommended the council award the purchase order to HCS Services for $281,000. Pepper also recommended the purchase order for $34,892 to move the overhead powerlines underground be awarded to Over and Under Contractors, Inc. The purchase order for materials for the electric work was awarded to Gresco Utility Supply Inc. for $18,843.66.

Prior to the vote, two citizens stood to voice their concern about the project.

Lisa Dorward, who lives at Orna Villa on Emory Street, adjacent to East Clark Street, questioned the need to spend the money now.

“I, too, am concerned about the East Clark extension and why there would be such an amount for sewer, electric, sidewalk and drainage when we haven’t really even approved a plan yet,” she said.

The council also voted to award the $155,000 purchase order for the George Street Trail extension to HCS Services. The project was also included in the city’s FY2018 Capital Budget.

City announces election qualifying

City Clerk Lauran Willis announced qualifying for the city’s 2017 municipal elections will be held Aug. 21-25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Council posts 4, 5 and 6 are up for election this year. Willis said the qualifying packets are available in the clerk’s office or online. The fee to qualify is $144.