Almost $750,000 for the public toilet and barbecue shelter building design and construction has been awarded to RA Plazzer Builder Pty Ltd.

It was a closed vote after councillors raised concerns regarding plans changing from refurbishing the toilets to demolishing the facility and building an entirely new structure.

It was initially a refurbishment costing $250,000.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Council officers found it more worthwhile to demolish and rebuild at a higher cost than refurbishing the facilities.

Councillor Di Bell and other councillors raised concerns over transparency and specifically the reasoning behind why it went from a refurbishment to a demolishment.

"The transparency and the changes to the plans and high additional costs are what I have concerns about," Cr Bell said.

Horsham Rural City Council director for community wellbeing Kevin O'Brien said the works would be in the budget for the overall works.

The cost was reviewed when council staff had more detailed designs and schematics, director for infrastructure John Martin added.

"The demolition has been recast within that budget, so the works are affordable," Mr Martin said.

The vote was passed, voting for the recommendation was councillors Les Power, Penny Flynn, David Bowe and Robyn Gulline.

Councillors Claudia Haenel, Di Bell and Ian Ross voted against the recommendation.

Cr Flynn said she was pleased to see the City To River plan moving forward.

"It's great to see a local contractor awarded this contract," she said.

"It's unfortunate to see the existing toilets demolished in Dixon Drive but they need to be improved and made accessible to all."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: