Plans to build a new combined fire station and library in Corona del Mar will return to the Newport Beach City Council for further review. City officials said a $5.8-million bid for the project is significantly higher than a city engineer's initial $5-million estimate.
The entire project is expected to cost $8 million when also including the cost of project design, utilities, furniture, fixtures, equipment, a temporary fire station and other expenses, city spokeswoman Tara Finnigan said.
Given the $800,000 overage, City Manager Dave Kiff thought it best to return the project to the council for another look, Finnigan said. The council originally approved it in November 2015.
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The council could put the project out for another bid or change its design or scale, Finnigan added.
City officials don't know yet when the library and fire station -- nicknamed the "fibrary" -- will get on a council agenda. However, council members are likely to discuss it during their Jan. 14 goal-setting session, Finnigan said.