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Hebron officials alarmed as Main & High Streets project match balloons beyond estimates
Summary
Village leaders said state-supported Main & High Streets improvements originally estimated with a modest village match have grown to a potential million-dollar local share, prompting concerns about abandoning, rebidding, or revising the project.
Hebron, Ohio — Village officials said on March 20 they are reconsidering the Main & High Streets project after local cost estimates for the village match rose well above initial projections.
Mayor Valerie Mockus said the project initially included paving Enterprise Drive and High Street, signal upgrades and intersection reorientation with a local match expected to be under $200,000. Over time, bids and changes increased the village's potential match, possibly beyond $1 million. "I am very uncomfortable with the cost," Fiscal Officer Deborah Morgan told council, saying current estimates make the project financially unsustainable for village finances.
Morgan outlined the state's options presented to the village: rebid with no changes, rebid with changes, or abandon the project. The village had chosen to rebid with no changes in hopes of lower bids and more bidders, but the state indicated additional funds would still be required before rebidding. Administrator Jung-Han Chen said the escalating local share has made the project "unsustainable for village finances."
Council members asked whether state agencies (including the Ohio Department of Transportation and LCATS) could provide additional funds; staff reported that no extra funds were available. No final decision was taken at the March 20 meeting.
Next steps: Staff and council will assess whether to proceed, seek additional funding, rebid with modifications, or withdraw the project; the item remains under review and will return for further consideration.
