BELGRADE -- Bruce Manzer said he would have lost $60,000 if town officials insisted he fulfill a contract to pave a stretch of McGrath Pond Road.

Instead, selectpersons Tuesday night voted unanimously to hold off resurfacing the road this fall and rebid the project next year.

That's what happens when liquid-asphalt prices nearly double in price over a few months.

"I thought they were extremely gracious in their decision making," the Anson contractor said after the vote. "It makes me want to come back and bid again for projects (in Belgrade)."

The board first dealt with the issue last month. At that time, Manzer came to selectpersons in hopes of modifying his contract.

The price of liquid asphalt -- a base for mixing asphalt -- has nearly doubled in price since Manzer bid on the project.

He told selectpersons last month that he never could have imagined a price hike so steep.

The board sympathized with Manzer but chose to delay a decision on the request in hopes the price of liquid asphalt would drop.

That didn't happen.

Town Manager Dennis Keschl recommended the board either enforce the contract or rebid next year.

Keschl also questioned Manzer's figures on the price hike. He said prices he obtained from the state Department of Transportation indicate Manzer's loss would be just under $50,000.

Manzer, though, said DOT figures on liquid asphalt represent the base price, not market rate.

Whatever the basis of comparison, Manzer said the cost increase has shaken the industry.

"Five years ago," he said, "they'd give you a price in May and you could count on that price all summer long. That is how much our world has changed."

Although McGrath Pond Road will not be repaved this fall, culvert work there will be done. Road Commissioner Kevin Hawes said he would do it.

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com