INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Marion County taxpayers are on the hook for $750,000 payments each to two consortiums whose bids lost out on the construction of a new criminal justice center in Indianapolis.

The payments will be made to Indy Justice Partners and Plenary Edgemoor Justice Partners. Officials in Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard's administration say it's part of the process to pay bidders for a project as complex as the 35-year, $1.75 billion plan for the criminal justice center.

Marion County has spent $5.5 million on consulting costs so far. Some City-County Council members are upset about the payments to losing bidders for what they say is a project that doesn't have the council's full backing.

The project is expected to be considered by the full council April 20.