By Will Pafford, Staff Writer

The West Lake Hills City Council authorized construction-bid documents for improvements to City Hall estimated at $439,800 during a March 25 meeting.

Mayor Dave Claunch presented a document showing the scope of work and cost estimates from a local freelance estimator who works for construction companies. 

The document said, “Cost estimates are theoretically ‘worst case’ and are based on input from a local commercial builder.” 

City Administrator Robert Wood said the estimates might be a bit high. 

The scope of work included nine items.

The three most expensive items are foundational support improvements to existing structure, $49,000, sub floor reinforcements to existing structure, $71,000, and the building addition, $231,000. 

Claunch emphasized that the current estimates are rough calculations until the bids are in. 

The other six items on the scope of work are replacing shingles on the current roof, painting the exterior of the building, painting the interior walls, installing carpet, improving the lighting with energy-efficient models and replacing the air conditioning system to make it more energy efficient. 

Councilwoman Jane Noble said although the costs are high, City Hall needs these improvements. 

“At some point you have to keep the building from falling down around you,” she said. 

Councilman Andrew Schwartz said he still thinks it’s a good idea to finance the improvements by taking on debt. 

The life span of the projects could be 30 years or more, so it makes sense to spread out the payments and not pay the entire project cost in one budget cycle. 

Councilwoman Amy Simmons agreed.

“When you spread it out, it’s a more reasonable item,” she said. 

The measure authorizing the bidding process for the improvements was approved on a unanimous vote. 

Councilman Earl Broussard and Councilwoman Cindy Probst were absent from the meeting.