Cost cut a bonus for board

Te Puke Community Board has done some good business.

At last week’s meeting, the board heard that a revised quote had been provided for work to reinstate a parking space in Palmer Place.

The recent quote was $6300, a marked reduction on the initial cost estimate of between $10,000 and $12,000 presented at its previous meeting. Both had been provided by the district’s roading contractor Westlink.

The first estimate was considered to be exorbitant and an alternative quote was asked for.

“They have certainly sharpened their pencil,” said chairman Peter Miller last week, although he expressed concern that the board could easily have accepted the higher figure.

Western Bay of PLenty District Council roading engineer Stuart Harvey said the initial estimate may have included a risk assessment and contingencies. Even if the higher estimate had been accepted, if the job cost less the board would have paid less.

Earlier this year the board set aside $5000 for refurbishing benches around Te Puke by Te Puke Menz Shed.

The first bench has been installed on Cannell Farm Drive, with the chairman complementing the Menz Shed on the quality of the work.

Initially the money was set aside for three benches, but with the cost of the first at under $500, there should be scope for more benches to be improved.

“I think we’ve got a bargain there,” said the chairman.