MONROE - The city of Monroe will use up to $10,000 for the Badger State Trailhead after bids for the project came in higher than anticipated.
Monroe's Common Council last week voted to authorize the parks department to use the funds for the trailhead project, originally expected to cost $160,000. Fischl Construction Corporation in Verona bid the lowest at $175,621 and was awarded the contract July 15.
A citizens group had received Department of Natural Resources grants totaling $80,000, and raised another $60,000 in cash. In-kind donations of $20,000 have also been pledged.
Two members of the group, Bub Zwygart and John Glenn, said more fund-raising efforts would get underway to bridge the gap.
The city and contractor have since come up with about $5,000 in savings by making changes to the block color and size, as well as changing the style of drinking fountain, according to Paul Klinzing, parks department director. A rock excavation clause of $3,000 in the contract may not be needed, he added.
The city's Park Development Fund contains $42,575 from subdivision fees that have been collected for purchasing and developing park lands or playgrounds.
The city has not authorized the use of any levied tax money for the project.
The trailhead will be built along the trail near Twining Park on 14th Avenue. Construction is expected to be completed this year.
Monroe is the only community on the recreational trail without a trailhead or signage. It is normally up to communities along a recreational trail to put in trailheads.
Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation in support of the Monroe Trailhead Project should send it to Friends of Badger Trail, Inc., Box 805, New Glarus, WI 53574.
Monroe's Common Council last week voted to authorize the parks department to use the funds for the trailhead project, originally expected to cost $160,000. Fischl Construction Corporation in Verona bid the lowest at $175,621 and was awarded the contract July 15.
A citizens group had received Department of Natural Resources grants totaling $80,000, and raised another $60,000 in cash. In-kind donations of $20,000 have also been pledged.
Two members of the group, Bub Zwygart and John Glenn, said more fund-raising efforts would get underway to bridge the gap.
The city and contractor have since come up with about $5,000 in savings by making changes to the block color and size, as well as changing the style of drinking fountain, according to Paul Klinzing, parks department director. A rock excavation clause of $3,000 in the contract may not be needed, he added.
The city's Park Development Fund contains $42,575 from subdivision fees that have been collected for purchasing and developing park lands or playgrounds.
The city has not authorized the use of any levied tax money for the project.
The trailhead will be built along the trail near Twining Park on 14th Avenue. Construction is expected to be completed this year.
Monroe is the only community on the recreational trail without a trailhead or signage. It is normally up to communities along a recreational trail to put in trailheads.
Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation in support of the Monroe Trailhead Project should send it to Friends of Badger Trail, Inc., Box 805, New Glarus, WI 53574.