A new fence surrounding an outdoor terrace at the Long Beach Billie Jean King Main Library has sparked controversy over its cost. The city claims the project cost taxpayers nearly $790,000, but public records obtained by NBC4 Investigates reveal the construction cost was significantly lower, at $418,563.

Construction Costs and City Explanations

The records show that Quality Fence Co. was hired to build the fence for an original price of $398,168, with a subsequent change order adding $20,395.20, bringing the total construction cost to $418,563. The city explains that the higher cost includes expenses such as design, planning, permitting, and technology.

City officials say the fence is part of a larger project to improve the library’s terrace, which had become a safety concern due to encampments and behavioral issues. The city says the fence has helped to reduce these problems and will also save taxpayers money on maintenance costs in the long run.

Questions and Concerns

However, the discrepancy in costs has raised questions about how the city is spending taxpayer dollars, particularly at a time when the city is facing a budget deficit and considering reducing library services. Residents are concerned about the impact of these cuts on their community.

The city has been asked to provide further documentation to explain the additional costs, and officials say they will release more information by October 30.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.