After adding an extra $50,000 to its share of the Bernie Aaker Auditorium remodeling project, the Meeker County Board awarded the overall contract Tuesday to Kue Contractors of Watkins for $1.4 million.

The county, Litchfield School District and city of Litchfield each had pledged $500,000 toward the remodeling. However, bids came in higher than the initial $1.25 million estimate.

County Administrator Paul Virnig told county commissioners that after the bids were opened last week, representatives from the three entities involved met and agreed that each would contribute up to an additional $50,000 toward the project.

In recommending the Kue bid, John McNamara of Wold Architects rejected the alternative of an orchestra pit cover and advised that the board delay action for 30 days on a $20,200 alternative that would provide seat cushions on existing balcony seating.

By Stan Roeser, contributing writer