We were concerned with a decision made by the Covington City Council and Mayor Kim Carter, who voted to break a tie vote, to award the renovation of the mayor's office to a firm located out of our local community during a past council meeting.

We agree that the elected offiicial's office needs to be renovated. The office should be a representation of what are community is and where we want to go.

It is the first stop for many firms who may wish to locate or expand here in our city.

The office is used by the mayor, city council and other members of the city's staff to conduct city business.

We were concerned, however, that no business in the city or county, initially, was given the opportunity to bid on the renovation.

The mayor and the city council should always be the lead cheerleaders for local businesses - it's local businesses - that pay many of the taxes that keep our city running smoothly.

We are more than pleased that the council revisited this decision on Tuesday and opened up the renovation to qualified people from our own community.

If nobody steps forward at a price that matches or is below the bid that already has been quoted, then the mayor and council should follow through with the original decision. At least the opportunity was afforded to local businesses before a final decision is made.