Hartselle City Schools opened bids for landscaping the new high school Thursday afternoon and the lowest bid came in just over budget.

Triple J Construction submitted a $281,746 base bid, which was the least expensive submission.Other bidders included a $328,961 bid from Owens Professional Landscaping, a $415,711 bid from Coston Construction and a $465,000 bid from Foresty Environmental Services.

Jim Maynard, project coordinator from Martin and Cobey Construction in Athens, said that number is close to the $261,000-$268,000 budgeted for this part of the project.

“I think we can reduce the amount of sod to get it within budget,” Maynard said. “It’s very close to the number we’re looking for.”

The landscaping project will also include digging a well on the school site, the water from which will be used to irrigate the landscaping. Maynard said Hartselle Utilities water will be a backup to the well.

That’s why Triple J also included $100 charge for each additional foot of the well that wasn’t included in the original bid. They also included an $18 per cubic yard charge for additional top soil need above the bid specifications.

Triple J also included a $2.90 per square feet charge for any additional sod that is needed.

The only remaining bids on the high school construction are the kitchen equipment and theatrical lighting and sound.