MIDDLEPORT — Middleport Village Council awarded a contract to Karr Construction, Pomeroy, to construct the new village hall there.

Bids on the project were opened last week, and at Monday evening’s regular meeting, council accepted the Karr company’s low bid and awarded the firm a contract.

The local firm bid the project at $688,000. Other bidders were:Banks Construction, Pomeroy, $897,760; Kinsale, Pomeroy, $723,798, Hoon, Athens, $744,783 and Davis Construction, Blanchester, $990,999. The original architect's estimate for the project was $750,000, so even considering increases in building costs since that time, the project will be completed below the anticipated cost. Village officials have maintained the new village hall, to also include a 12-bed jail, will not cost the village residents directly, because the jail is expected to generate outside revenue enough to retire the village’s debt.

The village issued bonds for the construction, which were purchased by the Farmers Bank and Savings Co., Pomeroy.

Village officials expect the new village hall to be completed and occupied by the end of the year.

Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Michael Gerlach to apply through the Community Development Block Grant program for assistance in financing a waterline extension on Powell Street to the Hobson area. Council also passed a non-displacement ordinance required to apply for those funds.

Council also approved payment of bills in the amount of $7,587.43, and approved a 10-year contract with Suddenlink allowing the company to provide cable television service in the village.