FLOWERY BRANCH -- Flowery Branch City Manager Bill Andrew gave an update on the city's upcoming new city hall project at the Flowery Branch City Council's meeting Thursday evening.
Andrew said while the project is set to cost slightly more than they expected, it is still projected to fall within the budget the council approved in the Spring of 2016. However, he said, the council will need to set the final price cap for the project in the coming weeks.
The council initially approved $5.3 million towards the city hall project, with $200,000 of that being designated as contingency money in case there were any unexpected issues or costs in the planning or construction.
Andrew said the project is currently running just over $90,000 more expensive than expected, cutting into those contingency. He said that will present the council with a decision on whether or not to refill that fund.
"We've discussed about trying to get that number higher to try to hold it at 200 (thousand dollars)," Andrew said. "The feeling from the construction firm is that we shouldn't have to use any of the $200,000 or what now may be 107 or 117 (thousand dollars)."
The council will vote on whether or not to refill that contingency money at their next meeting on January 19.
Andrew also said that the project is nearly ready to break ground, as final construction and design decisions are being made. He said the city has tried to make sure that several aesthetic and functional features like surrounding sidewalks and furniture for seating are up to par, while also trying to save money wherever possible.
"We've cut on many, many, many different issues," Andrew said. "We've had several different meetings and we've cut an estimated around $700,000 from the original design of the project."
The council will also have the option to set the date for groundbreaking ceremonies at their next meeting.
