The Demopolis City Council approved an adjustment to the city’s capital budget to cover expenses for construction on two bridges on Jackson Street.

According to Mayor John Laney, the low bid for the project covering both the east and west Jackson Street bridges came in higher than engineer estimates with the total cost of completion being over $2.25 million. With the bid amount, the city’s estimated payment increased by $368,825, for a total of over $1.048 million.

To cover the additional costs, the council voted to use $300,000 currently available from the city’s 4&7-cent gas tax fund. The remaining $68,000 will be reallocated from the city’s capital projects budget.

The Alabama Department of Transportation will oversee the project, and will invoice the city for its share of the costs. ALDOT is contributing $1.244 million toward the project. Marengo County will provide $150,000.

Laney said he anticipated the project would begin in December. Bridge Builders of Alabama in Pelham submitted the low bid.

In a short meeting, other items of discussion included Buildings Superintendent Julius Rembert reporting on the current status of dilapidated properties. He said owners are making plans to take action at the “Old Scott Record Shop” on Pettus Street and that he has met with a contractor regarding a proposed demolition at 703 Washington Street.

“Property owners are still responding in a positive way, many of them choosing to take care of their properties on their own. But, I do believe the city will have to take action on some,” Rembert said.

Also, it was reported that improvements to a ditch on Decatur Street are complete and the mayor asked that it be removed from the agenda.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18, 5:15 p.m., at Rooster Hall.

(This article originally appeared in the Saturday, October 6 issue of the Demopolis Times.)