WEIRTON — The plans to renovate Starvaggi Memorial Pool will take longer than originally planned, and possibly on a smaller scale, after the lone qualified bid came in approximately four times what had been budgeted for the project.

“It’s been such a process,” Weirton Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle said during Thursday’s meeting of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation.

Last month, the board received two bids from local contractors, but since had discovered only one was viable for the project as it had been planned. However, that bid – from James White Construction – came in at approximately $4 million, while the board had budgeted approximately $1 million.

Shingle explained he plans to meet with representatives of the firm next week, to discuss potential adjustments, including taking a phased approach – tackling one or two portions of the project at a time.

“We’re going to work with them to engineer something within the scope and the budget,” Shingle said. “When you run into problems with the money, you phase the work.”

The immediate focus would be the replacement of the existing pool vessel, which would include having a smaller footprint than the current pool, as well as a zero-entry area.

The first phase also could include replacement of plumbing leading into the pool.

Later phases would include work on the pool deck and the filtration system as well as other features associated with the pool.

Board members noted Starvaggi Pool – as Weirton’s only outdoor public swimming pool – continues to provide a needed recreational service to the community, not just for city residents but to those of nearby towns.

“We’re not going to look at taking away amenities,” board member Anthony Capp said, saying some residents have asked him whether a public pool is really needed at a time when so many have their own backyard pools.

It was noted additional funds will be needed to add to the $1 million provided to the Park Board by the previous city administration.

Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead, who is one of two council representatives on the Park Board, said he feels the rest of the current Weirton Council would be willing to provide additional assistance for the project.

“It’s a draw to the community,” Stead said. “It’s a win-win.”

Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, who also serves on the Park Board, agreed, saying he doesn’t think there will be any problems obtaining support.

Board member Doug Finton said, however the project is divided, it is important for the board to keep its focus to make sure future phases move forward.

“We have to stay on the next phase though,” he said. “We have to stay on course.”

A new timeline for the project was not discussed Thursday.