City Council members voted against a proposal to construct a $300,000 flood wall as part of the city’s ongoing flood control project.

The proposal failed on a 4-3 vote Monday night. The affected area is on North Main St. near Kuehn Motors, where city officials initially planned to put a 4-foot high road raise to protect the area from waters higher than the 2004 flood levels.

Because the project bids came in around $850,000 below the estimate, City Engineer Jon Erichson proposed building a three-foot closure structure, in lieu of the road raise, for $300,000. Although the structure costs more, it would not inconvenience Austin residents as much as a road raise, which would be an eye sore and force speed limits to 25 mph, Assistant City Engineer Stephen Lang said previously.

Council members initially approved the closure structure on a 4-3 vote at a work session. However, council member Brian McAlister expressed concern Monday for funding for future projects. Other council members echoed his worries.

“With the two phases (of the flood control project) left to bid, I’m a little concerned we won’t have the money if a bid comes in over,” council member Judy Enright said.

“We really need to think about the future,” council member Marian Clennon added.

Council member Steve King said he understands the financial concern but would prefer the closure structure because that is what the Engineering Department recommended as a better option.