Buchart Horn Associates may have designed its last project for New Windsor.
The Town Council voted Wednesday night to use the Baltimore company's designs for renovations to its water-pumping station. Members then voted to award future engineering contracts to Chester Environmental of Gaithersburg.
The town will use the Buchart Horn design, already approved by the state Department of the Environment, when it advertises for bids in about two weeks.
The plan, estimated to cost $120,000, calls for improving the pump building on Route 31 at the south end of town, replacing the largest pumps and adding pipes. The town also will need a new water line, projected to cost as much as $50,000.
The council considered changing its engineering company immediately and seeking a new design.
"There is a question if redesigning could save money," Mayor Jack Gullo said Wednesday.
The town could not afford the time involved in reworking the plan, he said. He estimated that redesigning could add $15,000 to the cost and five months to the project, which the council has "belabored for six months," he said.
The project, which could take several months, must be ready when New Windsor Middle School opens in September.
"We have to build this station soon," said the mayor. "We need it next July, when the new school comes on line."
Councilman James Carlisle also urged the council to use the present plan.
"We don't have that much time," he said. "Instead of spending more money, let's use what we have."
Mayor Gullo said the town has "not been entirely happy" with Buchart Horn, which has been New Windsor's engineer for several years.
"Their best cost estimates often exceed our budgeted amounts," he said.
After meeting with several engineering companies, he recommended a change to Chester Environmental.
"They will offer us more personalized service, through a contact engineer," the mayor said. "They understand we are a part-time government with a limited pocketbook."
The company has worked with several municipalities, including Poolesville in Montgomery County and Walkersville in Frederick County.
"Other towns have said they are very happy with their work," Council Member Rebecca Harman said. "They take the size of the town into consideration."