The High Cost of Low Bids

The strange case of Wayman Adkins and his two contractor suitors is not nearly as controversial, but the costs of the county decision may be steep nonetheless. Meanwhile, Harry Pepper & Associates and Wayman Adkins are gearing up for work on the grit chamber and odor control building. Says Smith: "The bottom line here is real simple. We offered to do a job for a fair price." But because Adkins, he charges, exploited the black enterprise program, "you and me A the taxpayers of Dade County -- are going to be paying $2.3 million more for a project than we should have. And that stinks.