Butler County is seeking bids for construction of a new Cranberry Township district judge’s office.

Along with authorizing the request for bids, the Butler County commissioners Wednesday approved the final estimated cost for the project at $1.3 million to $1.43 million.

The variable cost component is construction of the 3,650-square-foot building, which has an estimated range of $667,585 to $784,950.

The budget includes the cost to buy the land at 9028 Marshall Road for $143,414.

Commissioners Bill McCarrier and Dale Pinkerton approved several motions to move the project forward.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein opposed the construction documents and final estimated budget, saying it requires further review.

“This is just going through too fast,” Eckstein said.

He cited problems with the prices listed for some items.

“We’ve got $5,000 flag poles,” Eckstein said, referring to the single pole included in the design.

He also questioned the $20,000 estimate for demolition of a trailer and a frame garage.

“It just isn’t done well,” Eckstein said.

McCarrier said some township requirements drove the total project cost higher, but the price still is better than continuing to rent office space.

The county in 2013 paid $71,651 in rent to Lue-Regent Associates for District Judge David Kovach’s current office on Executive Drive.

“In the long run, this is going to save Butler County a lot of money,” McCarrier said.