Sandstone city officials asked Pine County commissioners to share the cost of a $40,000 overrun on the recently completed Sandstone Junction Trail project, saying the contractor underestimated the amount of bituminous needed when bidding.

Kathy George, Sandstone administrator, told the board the trail project began in the 1990s with a small grant and partnership between the city and county. After soliciting bids this year the project proceeded, but the contractor later disclosed it had not inspected the trail thoroughly before bidding and the work required an extra 380 tons of bituminous. The project incurred an additional cost of $45,006.25; the contractor absorbed $5,006.25, leaving $40,000 outstanding. George asked the county to split that balance with the city — $20,000 each — consistent with the county’s prior agreement to fund half the project.

Commissioners supported covering the county share from park funds and expressed optimism that the rebuilt trail will attract more users. One commissioner noted the trail connects to other recreational corridors, including snowmobile routes, and the city said it will add signage and maintenance plans. "They said it is really well built, and this should hold up for a long time," George said. She added the city will perform regular maintenance, including crack sealing and brush clearing.

The board moved and approved the county contribution from park funds; the motion passed by voice vote. The county’s total contribution to the project will be about $96,000 from the park fund when accounting for prior approvals and this overrun.