A bigger-than-expected price tag has delayed repairs at the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion.

The city initially hoped to begin work on the building's aging exterior in mid-August so the project would be complete in time for the holiday lighting ceremony in December. Plans changed when the city reviewed the only bid for the project. At $808,147, it was more than double the $350,000 the city budgeted for the job.

The city will use a base bid and a deductive alternate bid in an effort to work around high costs. Public Works Director Bruce Woody explained the process.

The base bid would cover costs for repairs on all four of the mansion's walls, while the alternate would require the contractor to fix only the north and west walls.

In another change, the city will shift from a "lump sum" bid to a method that sets unit prices, so contractors know how much they will spend if the project unexpectedly grows. Mr. Woody said he thought the lump sum bid was a big reason only one of the four contractors that showed interest in the project actually submitted a bid.

"What we heard after the fact was that some of them may have been intimidated, because they thought the lump sum put a lot of risk on the contractor," Mr. Woody said. "Hopefully this will reduce their risk and share it between the city and the contractor."

The city will advertise for bids this month, with hopes that construction could begin in October. Details on specific parts of the building that will be repaired are not yet available.

St. Joseph Museums Inc., which operates the mansion for the city, has a list of projects it will complete on its own dime. The city's delay may allow SJMI to start plans it cannot complete while the city is working. For example, a jackhammer working on one wall could make it hard for a carpenter trying to install intricate trim on the other side.

"We've been talking about what we can do to move ahead," said Jackie Lewin, executive director of SJMI. "We were concerned with doing interior painting on the exterior walls because we didn't know how their process would affect us."

The museum's Buildings and Grounds Committee will discuss potential projects at its next meeting.

Ms. Lewin admitted that she wished the city could move faster on its share of the repairs. But if the job gets done, she is willing to wait.

"It will be fine as long as the city eventually has the money to do the work that's needed," Ms. Lewin said. "Right now, for us to have groups and exhibits there ... we really wish it would be better. We're just waiting I guess."

Clinton Thomas can be reached

at clintonthomas@npgco.com.