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Supervisors approve renovation plan to house social services at Appomattox community center
Summary
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to renovate the community center to accommodate the Department of Social Services (DSS); board members debated adding a separate new building and asked for cost estimates and a feasibility study before further action.
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize renovation work to adapt the county community center for Department of Social Services (DSS) use, while leaving further discussion of a separate new building for later consideration.
Supervisor Paul Shepherd presented a renovation concept that would move DSS into renovated space at the existing community center footprint and, separately, locate a new community-use building on a nearby hill that currently houses a playground. Shepherd said utilities are already on site and described a driveway configuration and parking plan to serve both buildings. He asked the board for a "yay and a nay to get started" because contractor availability and supply lead times were tightening.
Board members supported prioritizing adequate office space for social services but several said discussion of a new separate building was premature without cost estimates and bids. One supervisor said the community center is used during summer weekends and for private rentals, but others said rental demand and competition from private venues affect utilization. Multiple supervisors urged that the county first secure renovated space for DSS and then pursue a feasibility study and cost comparisons for any additional new construction.
Following discussion, Mister Hepps moved to proceed with the renovation plan presented by Mister Shepherd to adapt the community center for DSS use; Irving Jones seconded the motion. The motion carried by voice vote and the board recorded that the plan as presented would proceed, with members requesting additional cost and feasibility information before advancing a separate new building project.
During discussion supervisors raised logistics including handicap access to upper-floor offices, potential conflicts with an existing lease on parts of the building, parking and circulation, and the need for precise cost estimates. One supervisor suggested the board obtain bids and weigh whether renovating the current building or constructing a new facility would be economically preferable. No contract awards or budget appropriations were approved at the meeting; the vote authorized moving forward with the presented renovation plan and next steps.
