Monday evening, the city hurried to pay its part of construction work about to start. Chillicothe Council met in special session to pass a single ordinance on first reading: the city's part of the cost for improving Western Avenue at Plyley's Lane.
.
Engineering Chair Dave Tatman explained why council had to do that: "ODOT." He said the state highway department has a habit of wanting local participation at the last minute.
.
The final estimates came in higher than expected, but Tatman says about three-quarters of the almost $142,000 council just spent were covered by grants.
,
Between ODOT's schedule and the weather, Tatman expects the new turn lanes and north-side sidewalk will be finished this year.