A decision by city officials to hold off on paving improvements at McMinnville Civic Center has added $12,770 to the work.

Paving of the front parking lot was included with the $10 million renovation and expansion project as an alternate option, but city officials decided not to accept the $160,000 price tag. 

With completion of the Civic Center less than three months away, paving bids were solicited and Tinsley Asphalt requested $172,770 for the job, an increase of $12,770.

The information was presented to the city Parks and Recreation Committee.

“That bid did not include removing the curbs which we asked them to bid separately. That was about $6,400,” said McMinnville Parks and Recreation director Scott McCord.

Curbs will be removed by McMinnville Public Works Department employees as a cost-saving measure.

“The item was budgeted at $170,000,” said McCord. “We added a $10,000 allowance for cut and fill for unsuitable soil and conditions, which is refundable. We strongly believe we will come in under $170,000. I recommend we accept the bid from Tinsley.”

Parks and Recreation Committee members agreed, unanimously accepting the $172,770 bid from Tinsley Asphalt. The measure will be sent to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for its consideration. 

Completion date for McMinnville Civic Center is Oct. 15. According to city administrator Nolan Ming on Thursday, the project is 79% complete.