Case No. 09-C-29, Welding, Inc. vs. Mt. Zion Public Service District, was heard by Judge David W. Nibert on Monday afternoon in Calhoun County circuit court.

Welding, Inc. and Ron Lane, Inc. have alleged irregularities by the engineering firm of Boyles & Hildreth when recommending winning bids for Mt. Zion PSD’s water extension project.

Bid openings were held July 9, 2009, for the $5.2 million project that would extend water to Sand Ridge, Russett, and Rt. 16 South of Arnoldsburg.

On Monday, Kelly Morgan, representing Welding, Inc., requested that the complaint be amended to remove Mt. Zion PSD as a defendant, and leaving the engineering firm as the focal point of the complaint.

Boyles & Hildreth was represented by Drew Patton.

Judge Nibert removed Mt. Zion PSD as a defendant in both cases, without prejudice, meaning that a new case may be brought on the same basis as the dismissed case.

According to Tom Whittier, attorney for Mt. Zion PSD,     the USDA Rural Development, which had allegedly put the project on hold, could review the project and allow the bids approved by Mt. Zion PSD.

The claims against Boyles and Hildreth by Ron Lane, Inc. and Welding, Inc. are still pending.