Ponoka council is asking town staff to find $16,800 from its capital expenses to cover cost overruns from demolishing the old town hall and a rental house.

That, before committing to dipping into reserves, as was recommended by administration, and something Mayor Rick Bonnett did not want to ask of the town's three newly sworn-in councillors in their first meeting.

“It's tough with a new council, to have to make a decision to have to start spending money on something they have no idea with,” Bonnett said.

“Let's get them (up to speed) and see if we can find some money within before we start taking money from all the taxpayers again to pay for something we already thought we paid for.”

The total cost of the demolition project was budgeted at $143,000. Council heard that number is now closer to $160,000.

According to a report from staff, the initial demolition contract did not include additional expenses such as: removing an electrical panel, disconnecting water service and street repair, hydro vac services, engineering fees and landscaping.

It's not the first time council has been asked to approve additional funds for the project.

In June 2016, council approved an extra $28,000 from reserves to demolish the rental house, first estimated to be $12,000 one month earlier.

Bonnett said there can be between $2,000 to $5,000 left over from other capital projects that could go toward the deficit. The catch is, the money cannot be taken from grant-funded projects, he said.