Brownton pursues liquidated damages up to $33,000; R&R claims it’s ‘unjustified’

The Brownton City Council, no matter the agenda item, couldn’t seem to abstain from expressing its disgust for R&R Excavating. Its recent shortfall in services to the city compelled the council to pursue liquidated damages — a city’s main non-litigative method of recourse with construction contractors — up to $33,000.
One line item comfortably nestled deep in the city engineer’s report sat insidiously as the council moved through its agenda. The line item was, “Payment application #4” of just over $595,000 for completed work. Council members and the mayor tilted their heads forward and shook them in disappointment — possibly reminiscent of when they would have to tell their kids, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.”
Except they were mad, very mad. The deafening expressions on the faces of councilors screamed frustration and disgust. So much so that disgruntled Mayor Norm Schwarze juggled the possibility of contacting the city’s state representative to change the legislation on awarding a bid.

For the complete story, read the Sept. 12 edition of The Chronicle.