HARRISBURG, Ill. — Two and a half million dollars is one step closer to helping Harrisburg homeowners rebuild.

Yet there are a few raised eyebrows and looming questions. Tuesday, the city revealed bids from two agencies competing to be in charge of administering those federal and state funds.

Both of their fees were too high, so the city opened the bidding process again and made their choice Thursday night.

But the low bidder did not win the contract.

"We talked with our legal counsel at length about this," said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg. "We want to make sure we're doing this the correct way."

Gregg said the decision was tough but the city council chose their longtime partner in town to help them rebuild, the Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission. But their proposal comes with a heftier price tag.

"Their track record with us has been impeccable, so we just felt like that was the correct move to make, even though they were a bit higher than the other bidder," said Gregg.

Here's the breakdown of the bids:

The Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission offered to administer the grant for $235,000 dollars. They have an office in Harrisburg.

Meanwhile, the Roy Adams Service Company of Herrin, Illinois, offered to do the job for $152,603.

The difference between the two is $82,397.

Gregg said legally, the city is obligated to go with the "lowest responsible bidder" and he believes that's what they did, citing the planning commission's work with Harrisburg through the years.

"The long-term relationship we've had with the planning commission, the work they've done in the past for not only the city but this area, speaks volumes about who they are and what they can accomplish."

Local 6 spoke with Roy Adams by phone on Friday.

He said he did not want to comment on camera because he is currently in talks with attorneys, considering legal action in the matter.