SYRACUSE - "Where do we go from here," was the question, and "I'm not certain," the frequent answer, at Tuesday's special Syracuse Town Council meeting.

The board met with representatives from Greeley and Hansen to discuss the town's water distribution project and expected to get a final dollar amount for the project, along with a final draft of building plans. Instead they got a newer, higher-than-expected estimate and a "95 percent complete" plan.

Initially, the plan was estimated to cost $4.2 million. Last night, the estimate climbed closer to $7.2 million and though the board assembled specifically to review final documents, they were handed the 95-percent version instead.

"What's the hold up?" town manager Jeff Noffsinger asked after Stan Diamond, of Greeley and Hanson, announced the plans were not complete. "We were on track this summer to have plans submitted to IDEM by October and now it's November."

Diamond was not certain.

He was certain, however, as to why the project cost has dramatically risen. Time delays resulted in higher material and construction costs.

"Factors outside our control have significantly impacted the cost," Diamond said. "Primarily the construction and development in China has caused a rise in the price of steel."

Bill Musser, board member, questioned the engineering firm, asking how they, as professionals and experts in their field, could underestimate by nearly 50 percent.

"I don't care about what's going on in China," Musser said. "How can you be so far off?"

The representatives from the firm were not certain.

The town did learn Tuesday they have "other options." They can eliminate any and all "frills" from the project, or borrow more money, Diamond told them.

Eliminating the extras could save a few hundred thousand and steps already were taken to eliminate a "five-page list" of extra things, from flagpoles to asphalt to a third well and pump.

Even with these things the final cost estimate is high. Originally, the town borrowed $7 million from the State Revolving Loan Fund, anticipating the need to spend, at the very most, $6 million. The extra money was a safety net of sorts. Now, paring the project down to the minimum exceeds the funds available.

Paul Stoelting asked a simple question: "How are we going to pay for that?" Until final plans are submitted, it seems that will continue to be asked and meanwhile, construction continues to be delayed, and "prices continue to rise." [[In-content Ad]]