The McHenry County Board of Health voted Nov. 18 to appropriate ARPA dollars for renovation and reconfiguration of the Crystal Lake public-health facility, a project staff said will include a drive-through testing/clinic lane, lobby reconfiguration and interior updates.

The project exceeded initial estimates and will be paid with ARPA funds once the county finalizes contract awards; staff said Stuki was the lowest bidder and preconstruction planning will start after contract execution. Department presenters clarified the project will not relocate the entire health department to Crystal Lake; rather, it will renovate and expand what is already on site.

Why it matters: The Crystal Lake facility houses animal control, immunization clinics and other services. Renovation aims to update clinic space and add a drive-through option, but temporary relocations and scheduling adjustments will be necessary during construction.

Details from the meeting
- Scope: Staff described interior reconfiguration, expansion for a drive-through and updated offices. The goal is to keep animal control operations on site where possible because animals will remain at the facility during construction.

- Services at Crystal Lake: Staff noted the site currently hosts animal control, WIC, immunizations and chronic disease services; IVCCP and other programs operate out of the site as well.

- Funding and procurement: The project will be paid with ARPA dollars. Staff reported the project came in higher than estimated; Stuki was the lowest bidder and the county-side procurement must complete execution before preconstruction work begins.

- Temporary relocations: Clinic-side staff will be relocated temporarily during construction; animal control operations will be prioritized to remain operational on site where feasible.

Board action: The motion to approve the renovation resolution was made by Miss Gaffney and seconded by Dr. Katz and Dr. McGuire. The board approved the resolution by roll-call vote.

Next steps: Staff said they will schedule preconstruction meetings with facilities, IT and operations teams and coordinate moving logistics once contracts are signed.