Councilman Ed Gallo questioned costs but approved the project

“Is that possible?” asked Ed Gallo at the Escondido City Council meeting on April 13. The councilman was referring to the $371,449 cost of expanding the office at the Escondido Sports Center in Kit Carson Park. “That’s almost $1000 per square foot,” said Gallo.

The project has been in the works for five years. Gallo questioned some of the expenses that have accumulated. “A hundred thousand dollars for a consulting fee?” he asked.

Other costs included grading, design, a consulting agreement, and an amended consulting agreement, all of which is paid for out of the park development fund. Plans for a patio were scrapped because it was too costly.

“I guess I’m just incredulous that [the construction alone] is $500 per square foot,” councilman Michael Morasco said.

Councilwoman Olga Diaz suggested that employees at the sports center share space with the police and fire departments: “I think it’s something to consider down the road,” she said.

Mayor Sam Abed and councilwoman Marie Waldron expressed concern about the cost per square foot but thought that adding another 400 square feet to the existing space needed to be done.

“We’re too far down the road to back out now,” Gallo said. All councilmembers approved the additional funding, except for Morasco.

Pictured: Gallo, Morasco