New city position could save big money

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Lafayette mayor is asking the City Council to create a new position now, so the city can save money later.

If approved, the position will oversee the long term, federally mandated control projects for storm water and wastewater projects for the city.

Officials said construction management is an item that costs usually 8% of the project if they have to hire an outside contractor.

Hiring one city employee at roughly $50,000 will bring financial savings for projects that can be as large as $25 million.

"Sometimes we get those contracts and we're like, 'Man, the cost of that compared to the overall project is pretty high', but we've never had the staff to do it and of course, projects can be a little bit sporadic," Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski (D) said.

Mayor Roswarski said that won't be a problem for the next 14 years, with mandated projects through 2026.

The city council will consider the proposal at their regular meeting on Monday evening.