A bid for site work on Lansford’s new borough garage came in twice as much as anticipated, Council President Bruce Markovich said Friday.

The borough received one bid of $336,377 from CMS Construction of Sinking Spring, he said. The borough anticipated the work at $160,000.

Borough Engineer Bill McMullen of Arro Engineering told council the cost would have been less if a local contractor had bid the project. The additional expense comes from bringing in equipment and manpower from out of the area, he said.

McMullen suggested the borough re-advertise the project for a longer period and contact local contractors to do some work, Markovich said.

Council also questioned the estimate of $35,000 to remove trees and brush from the site, work which was already done by borough crews.

Markovich reminded council that the borough has until June 2024 to use a $160,000 grant for the project.

McMullen will get back to the borough with new estimates and Markovich said he will seek additional grants.