Hamilton County commissioners, who appropriated $5.9 million to pay the last of the overruns at Paul Brown Stadium two weeks ago, allowed that decision to stand Monday.

        Commissioners discussed the possibility of not paying until their lawyers and construction auditors could de cide blame — and who should ultimately pay — for that portion of the overruns.

        But after a nearly two-hour discussion, Commissioners John Dowlin and Tom Neyer decided paying the overruns was appropriate. The additional $5.9 million has driven the project a total of $51 million over budget.

        The county will try to recover a portion of the over runs later, either through negotiations or litigation.

        Mr. Neyer said much of the $5.9 million represents work contractors either have done or will perform. They deserve to be paid, he said.

        “There was a basic push to make sure the project was completed, then untangle the legal issues later on,” said Carl Stich, chief assistant prosecuting attorney.

        Commissioner Todd Por tune said it would be better to hold onto the money, rather than pay it out and then try to recover it. But County Administrator Dave Krings said that would damage the county's credibility with contractors — an important consideration considering the county is building another riverfront stadium and parking.

        “The issue is not responsibility at this point,” Mr. Neyer said. “And this work will cost more if we have to start it up from a dead stop. It will end up costing us double.”

        A portion of the latest overrun bill — $1.3 million — represents increased fees from the architect, project manager and construction manager. Mr. Krings and the prosecutor's office is looking into whether that fee can be withheld.

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