(KNZA)--Hiawatha city crews will handle utility installation for a planned new housing development west of Bruning Park.

The City Commission voted four-to-one Monday evening to move forward with having city crews install the water and sewer lines for the project instead of contracting the work out. Commissioner Brian Shefferd cast the lone dissenting vote.

Public Works Director Dominic Grier told commissioners he’s comfortable with city crews doing the work.

City Administrator Brad Scott said using city crews instead of a contractor will save the city about 150-thousand dollars.

Scott added the city will still need to hire someone to handle construction observation, which is required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the sewer installation.

The utility installation is expected to take about a month to complete.