By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald

Plans to build a youth center in Buckley have always had plenty of moral support - it's money that's lacking.

For the second time, bids to build a facility for city youngsters have exceeded engineer's estimates, putting members of the Buckley City Council in a tough spot. They'll be tackling the issue Tuesday night during a regularly-scheduled meeting.

When bids came in too high the first time around, council members opted to put the project on the open market a second time, hoping for more competitive bids. That didn't happen.

With $351,000 in grant money in hand and working on the assumption it would take $369,000 to build a center, council members called a second time for bids.

According to City Administrator David Schmidt, the city received three bids and none came too close. The lowest of the trio was $390,873, another came in at $397,001 and the final bid was for $435,133.

Schmidt offered a reminder that the bids are simply for construction of a building. Additional money would be needed to provide all the amenities that would attract a young audience.

Members of the local Families First Coalition have requested, and been granted, an opportunity to address the council during Tuesday's meeting. Organizers have also lobbied members, looking for others to encourage the council to take steps to make the youth center a reality.

Schmidt said those wishing to address the council have until Friday to get their names on a sign-up sheet. The necessary form is available at City Hall.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.