The $1-million Center Street project in Clinton will be the next big infrastructure project for the community's streets but it will be delayed as bids came in over budget.

Public Works Director Steve Lobb indicates there was only one bid that came but is not sure why that is. Regardless, it was not a favorable bid and so the City is going to have to reject the bid and all but start over.

According to Lobb, the bids for asphalt came in higher than they budgeted for, and he points out they intentionally budgeted high. He also points out, efforts to preserve current adequate curb pieces seemed to hurt their bid.

Lobb is recommending paving South Center Street, getting North Center Street ready but remove the resurfacing from the plans. He explains they could save around $360,000 with this plan.

The next bidding cycle comes up again in late April. Lobb adds the timeline of getting work done by Apple n' Pork weekend. He is hopeful by making the project focused on just on concrete work, that will open it up to more than one contractor. He says they must receive more than one bid.