Commissioners agree to send mill renovation questions to budget committee after community raised $10,600

County committees discussed renovation of a historic rolling sawmill on county-owned property that had been donated for preservation. A local community group (the Quebec Walling Community Center or similar community group) raised $10,600 for the project and spent $3,500 on initial cleanup; organizers asked the county to consider contributing the balance needed to construct a protective shelter around a stationary steam engine and mill artifact.

Staff presented three bids to erect the shelter: a low bid around $17,688 (which the community would partially fund with its remaining $7,100), other bids roughly $24,064 and $25,018, and various cost details (one quote included labor and crane rental). Committee members discussed whether the quoted structures were metal carport-style shelters or more elaborate enclosures and whether volunteer labor could reduce cost. Some members suggested the community could help remove unstable materials first, which might reduce the county’s labor and crane expenses.

Committee members voted to refer the item to the budget committee so staff and budget members can examine funding options and project scope further; staff said the community’s donation has already been accepted by the county and appropriated into restricted funds.

Ending: The project will be examined by the budget committee, which will consider whether the county should contribute roughly the county-funded remainder (approximately $10,000 if the low bid and community donation figures are used) or recommend alternate approaches such as volunteer-led demolition and a simpler shelter.