Such bullshit.
How can an "estimate" range from $5 to 15 million?
That is not an estimate, that is a "town official" without a clue and the town did not have a contractor come in, investigate and then give an estimate.
Would you hire a contractor that gave you an estimate that had a range up to 300% of error?
$5-$15M?
Why not spread the rumor that the damn things are made of copper and that Andy and Barney are on vacation next week?