By John Howell
Bids for the downtown renovation project opened at the start of last Tuesday’s meeting of Batesville’s board of mayor and aldermen ranged from $636,125.55 to $739,867.89 with Pavecon LTD of Jackson the apparent low bidder.

The engineer’s estimate for the project was $740,725.

Four contractors submitted bids for the project that includes rebuilding sidewalks, realigning parking and lighting improvements.

Batesville contractor Abbey Bridges submitted the next lowest bid at $695,714.72.

Aldermen tabled action on accepting a bid, pending review by City Engineer Blake Mendrop. He is expected to make a recommendation at the May 19 meeting, after which the bid will be submitted to the Mississippi Department of Transportation for review.

MDOT is providing up to $420,000 for the project in a Transportation Enhancement Grant.