“If you study that in detail, you’ll find they didn’t do anything we couldn’t have and we paid them $7,500,” he said.

Commissioner Gordon Aistrope said Barker-Lemar’s credibility “is shaken” and he’s worried about “the validity of the long-range plan.”

Gates said the commission could bid it out to other engineering services.

“That could be done, but I would like to go forward with Barker-Lemar if we can stipulate that Tim is the one,” Commissioner Shannon Addison said.

Parker said the commission used Barker-Lemar because “they know the problems with the landfill.” The engineering firm has worked with SWC for more than eight years.

“When we got the 10-year study, I was really optimistic,” he said. “But all we got was an Excel spreadsheet.”

Gates said the study did offer a list of scenarios and combination of things to do that would cut costs.

“But Jody had already thought of those things,” Parker said.

The commission unanimously approved the change orders and the request for Buelow to represent Barker-Lemar.

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.