Work has begun on an expansion project for the Kennebecais Regional Police Force.
It is meant to give officers more space in their nearly 20-year-old building in Quispamsis.
Town council heard last week that the $3.7-million project is currently around $976,000 under budget.
Chief Steve Gourdeau said that figure includes energy efficiency items such as insulation and lighting that were initially removed due to cost concerns.
“We had looked at that expense when the project was first crafted, however, we were a little bit concerned about the cost so we had put that aside,” Gourdeau said in an update.
“Once we became aware that our tender came far below what we had expected, we re-added those energy efficiencies.”
Officials said the initial estimates were much higher as they were accounting for the rising construction costs we have seen in recent years.
The price tag also includes more than $111,000 to renovate the existing offices on Millennium Drive.
Gourdeau said they are also considering adding solar panels to the contract and plan on returning to Quispamsis and Rothesay councils once they have firm quotes.
In addition, the chief said they are continuing to work to find budget efficiencies, such as buying used furniture instead of brand-new items.
