Weatherly is downsizing its plans for a municipal government complex after bids came in over budget two times.

Council agreed to direct its engineer to prepare a new set of detailed plans for one building that would include borough offices, a police station and a magisterial district court. They approved a conceptual floor plan which will serve as the basis for the new plan.

“We’ve changed the plans, we’ve cut the size, we’ve moved the buildings. All positive, to make it possible to work with the amount of money we have to spend,” said Mayor/council President Tom Connors.

Council had proposed three separate buildings, but bids came in over budget twice this fall.

The borough has gathered more than $2 million in grant funds for the project, and Connors has pledged that they will not spend any additional money.

The project is funded through a $1.075 million grant through the governor’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, matched with a $600,000 grant from the Local Share Account (gaming revenue) and a $475,000 grant redirected from Carbon County that was originally secured through HUD in 2009 by former U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski.

The borough and police department are currently located in the town’s historic railroad station, which has limited space. The magisterial district court lacks the security features which other courts in the county have for employees.

Connors said the police sometimes have to use council chambers if they run out of room in their small office.

“It really is a safety issue for our police department. We gotta move forward,” he said.

The new plans will increase the design budget for the project, but officials did not know by how much.

Connors said the new plans will reduce the building footprint by 5,225 feet. The new building will be 8,585 feet.

But borough manager Harold Pudliner said the actual interior of the building won’t change much from the original plans, which called for three buildings.

“I’m glad we were able to make it work and move on,” said Councilman Joe Cyburt.

Council advertised twice for bids in July and October, rejecting the bids each time because they were over budget.

Following the second round, they decided to change the layout of the project. They moved the proposed buildings close to West Main Street.

Once the bids are completed, council will most likely vote to readvertise for bids to complete the project.

The vacant property where the building is proposed was once home to the Tung-Sol Electric company.

In other business

• Council allowed Connors to use the Eurana Park pool for a Polar Plunge on Feb. 16 at noon. The second annual event will benefit the Weatherly Ambulance.

• Resident Brian O’Donnell asked if council took any action regarding the falling porch at 202 Hudsondale St. Connors said that council took no action.

• Schwab School Restoration Project board President Charlie Palermo asked permission to take down boarded-up windows on the first floor and put up shades, as well as downspouts to help channel water away from the building entrance. The restoration project will begin leasing the first floor of the historic school in March.

• Council agreed to take out a tax anticipation loan from Mauch Chunk Trust totaling $85,000 with an interest rate of 2.49 percent.

• Council approved a 2019 paving plan including Louise Street, between East Main and North streets; Laurel Street, between Hill and Wilbur streets; Pardee Street, between East Main Street and Dean Gray Alley; and Allen Avenue, between East Main and North streets.