Bernalillo County commissioners approved proposals worth $1.7 million for more work on the county’s new downtown headquarters, but removed some items to limit costs.
One item removed from the original list of proposals was a giant county seal that would had adorned the side of the building. There were complaints the $300,000 cost for the seal was unnecessary, according to a KRQE report.
“We heard you guys loud and clear, that even though this may be a good branding opportunity for the county and for our building, this just isn’t the right time to do it,” said Elias Archuleta with the county’s public works department.
The Alvarado Square project is already millions over budget, the KRQE report said. Commissioners also decided to postpone discussions on replacing the windows and making them bulletproof.
The commissioners did approve $40,000 in security upgrades after the building was vandalized in October. Another half-million dollars was approved to increase workspace.
The $1.7 million in upgrades was approved but met mixed support. The county is also seeking grant money to help with the funding of the window and other items left off the list.
