TENDERS FOR BOROUGH WORKS

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 194, 14 October 1955, Page 1

TENDERS FOR BOROUGH WORKS

The matter of work done for the Borough Council by contractors was brought before the Council meeting on October 5 by a letter from the Taupo Ratepayers' Association. The letter was as follows : "It has been brought to our notice again by ratepayers that the Council arranges to have work done by private contractors and firms with out firs-t calling tpnders. "The Ratepayers' Association do not consider this a desirable state of affairs and we strongly recommend that the Council when requiring work

of any nature to be done, over £200, should call for tenders in the local newspaper and any other paper that Ihe Council thinks fit. "In the event of no tenders being received the Association is quite in accordance with getting the work done at the Council's discretion."

Cr Vedder said that he was in agreement, but it should be pointed out that much work came up when it was im possible to get contractors. With regard to the library, he did not think any other builder would have done it cheaper. With regard to the A.C. baths swimming bath no one would do it cheaper than the Council's own men. Cr ,Stanley said he thought that works should be done by contract, even though it took longer. Cr Young did not think that. the Council should be tied down to any particular amount above which tenders must be called. He agreed in prineiple, but tliere were times when they could savc money by not calling tenders. The Mayor commented that most prices were at ruling niarket rates. Cr Lewis moved that the Association be written to on the lines indicated in the discussion. Cr Vedder seconded the motion which was carried.