SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Spearfish City Council has rejected all bids submitted for snow hauling services as city officials review the bidding process to ensure it complies with state law.
The action came during a special meeting held prior to the council’s Sept. 30 study session. City officials said snow hauling services have traditionally been contracted through individual quotes, but rising costs raised concerns that expenditures could exceed the state’s $50,000 threshold for work that requires a formal bidding process.
Assistant Public Works Director Sarah Caron told council members the bids were being rejected out of an abundance of caution while the city evaluates the proper legal and procedural path forward. Officials said they want to ensure the process is conducted correctly and transparently.
City Attorney Ashley McDonald said the bids proved difficult to compare because contractors proposed different equipment and service capacities, making it challenging to determine which proposal represented the lowest bid.
The city will now reevaluate its options and determine whether to issue a new request for bids or pursue another approach for securing snow hauling services ahead of the winter season.
Officials also clarified that a separate contract approved in September for snow removal at the Spearfish Recreation Center parking lot is not affected by the council’s decision.
