Ashton: Bids coming in over budget only a hiccup

Everyone wants to get the most bang for the buck, and the Downers Grove Public Library is no exception.

For a taxpayer-supported, public-serving organization, its our duty. We are working with our architects, construction managers, Library Board and members of the community to make sure that we get our moneys worth as we renovate our building. This is a challenging task.

On Nov. 22, we opened formal bids from about 40 contractors. They were competing for contracts in a dozen trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, to name a few).

To our dismay, the proposals from the lowest bidders in each trade added up to $433,000 more than our budget.

We didnt waste any time wringing our hands. Everybody got busy.

Our construction managers communicated with the lowest bidders, confirming that the bidders had correctly understood the project drawings and specifications.

Our architects examined materials and finishes and other design elements, looking for cost savings.

The staff revisited the plans for furnishings, equipment, and office arrangements.

The Library Board considered all the identified changes, making sure that we did not lose sight of the projects original goals.

We have made a great deal of progress. At the Library Board meeting on Dec. 11, our design and construction team presented preliminary savings totaling a little over $360,000.

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Ashton: Bids coming in over budget only a hiccup