The Niles City Council chose to go with a local company rather than the lowest bidder for a fencing project during Monday’s regular meeting.

Custom Fence Co., of Niles, was tabbed to install a security fence around the Cherry Street and North Fifth Street water towers. The company’s bid was $17,176.50 — the second lowest bid.

D-K Fence Co., of Battle Creek, turned in the lowest bid of $16,449.43 — a difference of about $700.

A representative from Custom Fence Co. asked the council to choose his company rather than a company from out of town, during public comment.

“We make our money here and we also spend it here,” he said. “That money is going to stay in the community here and be spent by my employees supporting other small businesses like our own.”

Councilman Tim Skalla said Custom Fence has done a lot of work with the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery in the past, providing them labor and materials at a great price.

“They are a wonderful attribute to our town,” Skalla said.

The council voted unanimously to award the job to Custom Fencing Co.

“It is simply good business practice to financially support businesses in your community,” said Mayor Michael McCauslin.