RANDOLPH — Selectmen awarded two paving jobs Tuesday to Ferrariolo Construction.

Selectman Ed Gorham said Ferrariolo, of Farmingdale, had the low bid for the two projects — McLaughlin Terrace and South Maple Street — at $59,000.

The town does not have a bidding ordinance to govern how projects are awarded. Gorham said selectmen have been trying to put more projects out to bid, especially the larger ones.

“There’s no ordinance that requires it,” Gorham said Wednesday. “But the American free enterprise system and a little competition is good for the soul.”

As a way to avoid conflicts and save money, residents at last year’s Town Meeting asked selectmen to look into how contractors are hired and to compare prices for different services.

The other paving bids were: Lane Construction Corporation, of Washington, $116,250; Pike Industries, of Lewiston, $80,838; RC & Sons Paving, of Lewiston, $63,806.

“We put out a (request for proposal) a week ago on Friday and Saturday and got four bids. The low bid was Ferrariolo,” Gorham.

“The job will include taking up some of the pavement on the existing roads, and grinding and replacing it. It’s basically repaving jobs for the two streets. McLaughlin was the worse of the two.”

Ferrariolo is charging $43,500 to repair McLaughlin Terrace and $15,500 for South Maple Street.

“We try to do the worst roads each year to stay ahead of the game,” Gorham said. “This work should be done pretty quick.”

Budget Committee Chairman Mike Carrie has proposed the town initiate a bidding ordinance for jobs more costly than $5,000 or $10,000, saying Randolph residents want more accountability in hiring and spending on contracts and salaries.

Mechele Cooper — 621-5663

mcooper@centralmaine.com

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