(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is not willing to pay the entire increased cost for a resurfacing and drainage improvement project on U.S. 36 Highway after bids came in higher than expected.  

 Following a lengthy discussion, the Seneca City Council Wednesday evening directed City Administrator Matt Rehder to tell the Kansas Department of Transportation the city would pay for up to 25 percent of the overage, but not more.   That would increase the city’s match on the project from $269,000 to $325,000.
   
The low bid of  just over $1.3 million was about $163,000 higher than the engineer’s estimate.  KDOT wants the city to pay the entire increased cost, which is due to a change in concrete mix specifications.  However, Mayor Joe Mitchell says he doesn’t feel the city should pay for the increased cost since U.S. 36 is KDOT’s responsibility and not the city’s.

 In other business, the Council discussed a recommendation from the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals for approval of an ordinance amending the city’s zoning regulations to not allow garages as a primary structure on residential lots as a conditional use.

After much discussion, the council voted 3-3 to approve the recommendation.  Mayor Mitchell broke the tie, by casting a no vote.

 According to the letter from the Zoning Appeals Board, approval of the ordinance requires a two-thirds vote.  The city administrator was directed by the council to consult with City Attorney Martin Mishler on whether the motion was approved or not.