It’s small, but Bryson City Alderman Jim Gribble is challenging a bill for engineering fees. McGill Associates offered to replace 1700 water meters at a cost of $983,137. The bid has not yet been accepted. If it is rejected, the town will still owe McGill $66,500 for soft costs. If it is accepted, the town will owe that plus another $38,000 for more of the same.
Gribble asked if it wouldn’t be more economical for the town to hire an engineer, or at least work with another engineering firm. Town Manager Larry Calicutt’s response implied that would be a cumbersome endeavor.
