FARGO (KFGO-AM) - Different ideas are emerging on plans for the new Fargo City Hall after bids came in 10% higher than expected this week.
At least one city commissioner says "start over." Dave Piepkorn says the project has a construction cost at over $300 per square foot, comparable to a luxury hotel in Manhatten. He says that's a price tag taxpayers will not stand for. He agrees the aging city hall needs to be replaced but maybe at another location. Piepkorn also says building so close to the Red River in a soil sensitive area "defies common sense."
City Commissioner Mike Williams thinks the size of the design should be evaluated. When first proposed, the plan called for a 65,000 sq. foot building. The current design is 85,000 sq.feet.
Williams says re-bidding the project could also cut costs. He says the city saved $13.5 million when it re-bid the water plant expansion earlier this year.
The building committee will reconvene next week to discuss the next step. Mayor Tim Mahoney thinks $3 million can be shaved from the project.