A bond issue project approved by voters in 2008 got the go-ahead Thursday night from Hutto City Council.

The project includes reconstruction of East Street from Pecan Street to Farley Street, an asphalt overlay on East Street from Farley to Hwy. 79, and a parking lot and on-street parking with 43 additional spaces for downtown businesses.

The original cost of the project nine years ago was estimated at $859,000, but the project would now cost $1,171,872.90, the low bid presented to the City Council.

Earlier in the spring, City Council members asked officials to meet with the company awarded the bid to look at reducing the overall cost.

Smith Contracting agreed to reduce costs in trenching, street lights and donate their own surplus of trash cans, saving the city $60,280.

Assistant City Manager Danielle Singh offered several more options for reduction, which City Council members agreed to remove amenities including food truck pedestals, bike racks and concrete pads for $51,128 and street furniture and benches for $30,250.

Council Member Nate Killough said he felt the city could get donations for benches and other items cut from the project.

“Paying a 30-year note on benches and trash cans is just asinine,” Killough said leading up to the vote.

By removing the additional items, the city’s new total for the project is $1,030,214.90, which passed unanimously.

Council members and city officials also discussed moving the city’s street, drainage and grounds divisions from the general fund to a bond fund, allowing the city to address the needs of streets in a timely manner.

Singh said streets begin to need maintenance after five years, but that maintenance hasn’t been done in Hutto in the past.

The program would allow for an annual or biannual bonds issuance for projects. As the tax base grows, the city would have more funds available.

By freeing costly repairs from the general fund, City Manager Odis Jones said the city would be able to address police department needs for the growing city.

More discussion will take place at the July 13 budget workshop.