Last month, bids for the Center Street project came in well over estimates that were already very liberal from the public works department. 

Public Works Director Steve Lobb says the project is already being reduced to just one portion of Center Street, on the south end of town, and while the updated bids were still over budget, his fear if they continue to put off the project, the government funding of the project may not be there.

Lobb feels the current bid is best for the City and recommended the Council's approval. The Council will take action on the bids at their next meeting on May 18.

The project was redesigned last month and it reduced the estimates to $1.25-million as opposed to $1.5-million from the first bid cycle. Lobb indicates the breakdown of government contributions does not change regardless of the cost, and $1.25-million fits better into the City's budget. 

Also at the Monday night meeting:

>>The Council reappointed Jeff Hoke as Fire Chief and Stephen Paige as Assistant Fire Chief

>>The Council reappointed Steve Meyers as City Attorney, Cheryl VanValey as City Clerk, Clint Lichtenwalter as City Treasurer, Tom Edmunds as Budget Officer, and Steve Lobb as Public Works

Director