Watertown City Council to Consider 2027 Asphalt, Road Salt Bids as Costs Rise
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will consider awarding bids for Project No. 2621 on its consent agenda during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, covering petroleum products and street maintenance materials for fiscal year 2027.
The City opened bids for the annual contract on Sept. 22, 2026, covering hot mix and cold mix asphalt, fuel supplies, and snow and ice control materials. According to a memorandum from City Manager Alan Stager, the materials support miscellaneous street maintenance operations, city fuel needs, and winter road treatments.
Apparent low bidders recommended for award include:
· Hot Mix Asphalt: Bowes Construction Inc. of Brookings at $68.75 per ton for pickup, representing a 5.77% increase from the 2026 price of $65 per ton. Duininck Inc. submitted a bid of $85 per ton.
· Cold Mix Asphalt: Duininck Inc. of Prinsburg, Minnesota, at $180 per ton for pickup.
· Rock Salt: Blackstrap, Inc. of Neligh, Nebraska, at $92.75 per ton, a 10.09% increase over the 2026 price of $84.25 per ton.
· Calcium Chloride: Johnson Feed, Inc. of Canton at $719.60 per ton, up 2.07% from $705 per ton in 2026.
· Magnesium Chloride: Blackstrap, Inc. at $876.40 per ton.
The city received no bids for its 2027 gasoline and diesel fuel categories, which Sioux Valley Cooperative provided in 2026.
Funding for the purchases is budgeted across multiple departmental operational line items. If approved, relevant city departments will purchase materials as needed throughout 2027 within their approved budget limits.
City Engineer Justin Petersen, Street Superintendent Rob Beynon, and Project Manager Caitlyn German oversee Project No. 2621.
