City faces budget shock over costly engineering design project

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for the replacement of the LB Road bridal, which is showing signs of deterioration. Last year, the city successfully secured a grant of approximately $700,000 for the construction of this project, with legislation passed in November to facilitate the funding.

However, the design costs for the project have significantly exceeded initial estimates. The engineering consultant, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), recommended Fishback Engineering for the design services at a total cost of $265,745. This figure is notably higher than the anticipated budget of $100,000, which had been set during the capital budgeting process.

To address this budget shortfall, city officials proposed utilizing existing funds from the 2024 capital budget, which includes $100,000, along with an additional $16,528 from the engineering parking lot paving line. The remaining balance of $149,217 would be allocated in the 2025 capital budget for the completion of the design.

City officials are seeking legislation to facilitate the transfer of engineering capital funds and to authorize the signing of the agreement for design services. Modifications to the professional services agreement are also required, including the separation of costs for 2024 and 2025 and adjustments to indemnification and attorney fee provisions as advised by the law director.

Concerns were raised regarding the unexpectedly high design costs, with officials expressing surprise and confusion over the significant difference from initial estimates. The city aims to finalize the necessary revisions within the next two weeks to move forward with the project.