FARGO (KFGO-AM0 - Sticker shock for Fargo city leaders. Bids opened for construction of the new city hall came in 10% percent higher than expected. The low bid was $30.4 million.
Mayor Tim Mahoney says the number is "disappointing", and that the engineering team will now have to work with architect Terry Stroh to determine where costs can be cut. Mahoney and Stroh say that likely will include dropping the $590,000 geo-thermal heating and cooling system and using less glass in the building.
Stroh says the Fargo area is in a competitive construction market and that has driven up prices. It will be up to the city commission to decide what to do next. Mahoney says they have to have a plan in place by the end of the month.