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WEIRTON -- Despite some concerns expressed during their meeting Wednesday, members of the city's Finance Committee are recommending a budget revision which would complete payment on work performed as part of a recent repair project at the Millsop Community Center.
Following the 2-1 recommendation, the full Weirton Council will discuss at its meeting Monday whether to approve the revision to fund $40,457.32 for a payment to James White Construction for work completing two stairwells during the project.
"You've already paid half the bill," Parks Director Coty Shingle explained. "That's asking you to pay the second half."
Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich, participating by phone, noted the funding has been included as part of a proposed revision to the 2021-22 fiscal budget following a recent audit showing the city had an additional $280,000 available for its fund balance than had been anticipated.
Council previously authorized $500,000 to assist with the costs of the first phase of the repair project, which addressed concerns over the stability of the south wall and footer of the community center.
Shingle explained the previously authorized funds would have covered the phase, except additional needs for the interior wall were found and the price of steel increased.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel, a previous director of the city's parks, reminded the committee of the $500,000 allotment from council, asking what financial contributions the Park Board made to the project, and also about the board's current financial status.
"There have been questions throughout with Phase 1 and Phase 2," Weigel said.
Weigel also noted other projects are being discussed for the city's recreation system, all of which will need funding, saying he anticipates additional requests for support to come before council.
City Manager Mike Adams, a former member of the Park Board, said, while he understands the concerns of going over the approved $500,000, the additional costs were not anticipated and, had contractors waited until the project's second phase, it would have cost even more.
"It didn't make sense not to do those stairwells," Adams said. "It would have cost more to dig it back up and do it."
While Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso said he wishes council had been approached prior to the work being done, he agreed the bill needs paid.
"That work was done and it needs paid for," Fracasso said.
The funding request will be presented to council for consideration at its meeting at 7 p.m., Monday.