NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a low bid to repair broken tile in County Ditch 16, Branch 3 in Bashaw and Burnstown townships Tuesday.

Approval of a $66,945 bid with 24-inch plastic tile from Lohrenz Excavating came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Tony Berg. Ellingson Drainage bid $157,850 for the project.

“The bid difference is almost $99,000. A big win for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Braun.

The project is proposed to begin in early July.

Brown County Assistant Highway Engineer Andrew Lang said the tile road crossing is all underground with 14″ tile going in and out. He recommended going with the 24″ tile bid for future ditch improvements.

Quotes were requested from seven contractors for the project requested by landowners to be completed as soon as possible. Lohrenz Excavating bid $59,300 for 15″ plastic tile. Ellingson Drainage bid $127,375 for 15″ plastic tile for the project located about 3 1/2 miles southeast of Springfield.

On April 16, commissioners unanimously rejected a $157,850 bid from Ellingson Drainage to repair 155 feet of broken CD 16 tile where it crosses CR 5, north of 150th Street. Project quotes were requested from five contractors but only one bid was received.

Lang said landowners reported water backing up. A tile camera located broken tile in CD 16 under CR 5. An open cut excavation repair was not considered practical. Boring a new tile crossing under CR 5 was proposed.

Lining the tile crossing was also considered but the change in tile diameter size was considered too restrictive and rejected by landowners.