News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Phase I of Algood’s City Park project already running up some $500,000 over budget.
City Administrator Keith Morrison said that’s due to unexpected delays and costs for sidewalk work and groundwork.
“As of April 12th we had spent maybe $150,000 on the actual park contract, but we had spent almost $400,000 on undercut,” Morrison said. “Just because there is so much water and it’s so wet, and we’ve tried every alternative in the world to try and get the sidewalk in, but this is the last option.”
City Administrator Keith Morrison said that the original budget for the project was some $655,500. Morrison said he is looking for options to help ease the burden of cost before dipping into the city’s general fund.
“It’s switching stuff around that it looks like we’re not going to use this year,” Morrison said. “Just like the sanitation was meant for a garbage truck that we bought all of with ARP so that money didn’t need to be there anymore and just moved it over to the parks. So you’re basically just reallocating money that’s already in the budget. We’re just trying to control those expenses as best we can.”
Morrison said that they knew the project cost might eventually run high, but did not expect it by this much.
“It’s been that way ever since the project started,” Morrison said. “And I think it’s a result of COVID and increased fuel prices and just a whole culmination of things. And contractors are so busy and so once you add all of those things together, it really starts to add up.”
Mayor Lisa Chapman-Fowler said that the scope of the park might need to be re-evaluated. She said that with costs running high, it might be a good idea to take a breath before continuing the work.
Morrison said that the original plan after finishing the walking trails and grade work, they would move on to looking for playground equipment and other amenities. He said that htey are still working towards a June 30th completion date.
