More than 14 months after starting initial design of an aquatic center in Aurora, the city council approved a contractor at a special May 7 meeting.

Sampson Construction, based out of Lincoln, submitted the low base bid of $3,449,000. Council members opted for a deduction on the project which cut $11,000 from the bill, but approved three alternates totaling $17,350, adding up to a total bid of $3,455,350.