THE LAST WORD:

The voters have spoken.

And now the Newport Beach City Council has, too.

Onward with Measure B.

The council, in a prudent move, voted earlier this week to support the measure, which calls for a city hall on Avocado Avenue next to the central library, weeks after a majority of voters gave it the thumbs up.

What a fine mess the city has gotten itself out of.

Let’s hope the show of unity renders resident Alan Beek’s lawsuit challenging the legality of the vote moot.

And let’s hope the will of the people — and now the council — is followed, meaning a badly-needed new city hall by, oh, 2010.

Kudos to council members Keith Curry, Ed Selich, Mike Henn and Nancy Gardner — all of whom originally opposed the measure — for listening to residents.