MOUNT WASHINGTON  — For those keeping score of the Mount Washington Sports Complex progress, there will be two new scoreboards to help… at a slight cost increase.

Parks director Wally Adams discussed the addition of the two scoreboards, as well as new press boxes in the bleachers on both sides of the soccer field.

However, an estimated $300,000 budgeted by the city for the additions did not completely cover the final overall costs. According to Adams, installation took a lot of time and effort, and the final costs ended up slightly higher than originally intended.

He added that there was the potential for a larger and better scoreboard than originally planned,noting that the scoreboards were the primary reason for the cost increase.

The price of the scoreboards were combined with cost increases since the first project bids were approved at the end of 2022, Adams said. Along with the new press boxes and sound system. the total was at $334,296.

Adams said the city was doing some of the foundation work after discussing liability issues with public works director Mike Highchew. He said the city could save as much as $60,000 by doing some of the work.

According to Adams, the cost increase for the new 7x12 scoreboard increased by 11.4 percent since the original bid. However, he mentioned the opportunity of upgrading to a larger 8x15 scoreboard, which would increase costs by 17.2 percent, to an overall total of $351,000.

The parks director approached the city council seeking contingency funding assistance to get the project underway. He said plans were about 3-4 weeks behind schedule, and the project could be completed in about 120 days.

“Obviously we’re swinging for the fences with the 8x15 (scoreboard),” he said.

Council member Troy Barr asked if any other future expenses were anticipated. Adams said there were not any.

In an attempt to secure additional funding, mayor Stuart Owen mentioned that the city collected about $47,000 in interest on its America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, with an overall total nearing $60,000 by the end of the 2023-24 Fiscal Year.

The council unanimously approved a resolution for the mayor to enter into an agreement with Toadvine Enterprises for the project, which will officially include installation of the two new scoreboards and the press boxes.

Continuing with parks updates, Adams mentioned that the first official high school games were played at the sports complex, with all three Bullitt County high school teams participating. He added that the concession stands had already shown a profit of $12,000 this season.

Adams mentioned that upgrades would also be made at the all-inclusive playground thanks to a $17,000 donation from the Dream Foundation.

Also officially announced were dates and bands participating in the 2024 Summer Jam at the Amp series at the Wesbanco Amphitheater, with opening night scheduled for June 14 featuring Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

Other scheduled shows include: June 28 - Grunge: The Sounds of Seattle; Jul. 12 - Strutter: KISS Tribute Band; July 19 - Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute; Aug. 2 - Back 2 Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac; Aug. 9 - Taylor Made: A Tribute to Taylor Swift; Aug. 16 - The Ultimate Sin: Tribute to Ozzy; Sept. 13 - That Arena Rock Show; Sept. 27 - Honkytonk Rewind.

Council member Greg Gentry added that the annual Mount Washington Police Foundation Car, Truck, and Bike Show was scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 8 am to 3 pm, at the sports complex.

In other business:

- The council unanimously approved an official report of its 2022-23 Fiscal Year audit presented by DeanDortin, PLLC.

The provided opinions concluded that the audit was clean and the finances were the best they could be.

A third opinion was provided this year as a result of city projects totaling more than $750,000, which included ARPA funding. All major programs in the city are required to have their own opinion. The city had just one such project, primarily involving the Snapp Street sewer upgrades.

As a result of the positive report, Owen thanked city treasurer Alice Harris for her efforts in working with auditors to provide information, as well as helping new city officials understand the process.

Owen also mentioned that all city ARPA money had officially been allocated and most of it spent. He said deadlines were fast approaching for the ARPA funding use.

- Last month the council approved a total cost of $76,984 for the purchase of new public works equipment.

However, due to a communications error, Hightchew said the city did not purchase needed skids, apologizing for the error.

The original overall cost for equipment, which previously included a new back hoe, totaled $93,771. Hightchew said new skids needed by the department brought the overall total to about $1,700 over the original costs.

“Instead of saving $17,000, we’re now over $1,700,” he said.

The council unanimously approved the additional costs.

- Owen said city officials met with QK4 regarding a project to improve sidewalk issues along North Bardstown Road.

The mayor said the city received sidewalk complaints following recent rains, with a portion of the sidewalk underwater.

According to Owen, the city would need to provide $40,000 from its contingency fund to “self-perform part of it,” noting that the city planned to raise the affected area as much as five feet. He said the city could contract afterward to complete the overall project.

- Hightchew announced dates and times for the city’s annual Spring Clean-Up.

The three-day event will take place April 25-27, scheduled each day from 7 am to 7 pm, at the Lower Garage location, 173 College Street.

- Owen announced that the city donated $5,000 toward Bullitt East High School’s annual Project Graduation program.

- City officials congratulated former public works director Ronnie Fick, who returned to the city as a consultant after retirement, but was retiring once again.

“Thanks for the help, the knowledge, the experience, and for training the current guys,” said Owen.

“He’s been a great help,” Hightchew said. “He’s a wealth of knowledge.”

Barr credited Fick for always being available and answering calls, as well as always taking care of any problem that took place within the city limits.

- The next Mount Washington City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 8, 6:30 pm at Fick Hall. The public is invited to attend.