COLUMBIANA–Superintendent Donald Mook discussed updates about the track at Ward Athletic Complex located behind the Columbiana Middle School Tuesday during the board of education meeting.

The district received bids from Vasco Sports Contractors and AstroTurf Corporation to resurface the track.

The current track lasted for 16 years, but has been resurfaced several times according to Mook.

Vasco Sports Contractors would install a surface constructed of asphalt with plexitrac accelerator with a three-year warranty. AstroTurf Corporation would install a polyurethane track surface with a five -year warranty.

“My own preference probably would be the polyurethane; I think it will last us longer. I think we will get more than ten years out of it,” Mook said.

Vasco Sports Contractors would increase the price of the project for surface colors where as AstroTurf offered multiple colors with no price increase.

Mook explained prices have increased by $15,000. Price increases are causing the need for a determination on which bid to move forward with increasing urgency.

When asked by board of education Vice President Scott Caron if other contractors in the area could do the work, Mook explained the company bids were vetted through a third party and state-tiered.

The timeframe for the project would be extended if board members wanted to pursue an open bid process. Prices could also increase due to the demand for materials.

“I was hoping to get it done before spring but they cannot get us on the schedule before spring,” Mook said.

It was discussed if no determination is made before the next meeting the project would start from scratch.

Mook suspects the lawn company may have been causing additional wear on the track.