The citizens and taxpayers should be the number one priority when accepting bids for major projects. How can anyone justify the decision to accept inflated construction bids of approx $1 million a piece for the main street project and the riverfront park project based on the premise that minorities and female owned businesses haven't been included.

Both of these projects are SEVERELY underfunded and the good of the ENTIRE public should be goal number one. Of course, if BOTH quotes are equal, then that is the time to promote inclusion.

It is my opinion that this is a completely irresponsible stewardship of our money, worse yet, the completely worthwhile projects suffer the most.

Was this an administrative error, management error, or just a flat out disregard for the taxpayers? Are any of the council members in favor of requiring the general contractor who employs the minority/ woman owned subcontractors to meet the lowest bid?

At a time of cutting back services (curbside trash removal) and raising taxes and fees significantly, please consider the good of the whole vs. the few!