Harrison County hearing flags $7M-plus cost, funding uncertainty for health department and diversion center renovation

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. — Harrison County officials heard an updated cost and schedule report on May 5 for a planned renovation to house the county health department and a mental health diversion center, with revised construction estimates now at $6.9 million to $7.6 million and a total project cost projected at $7.4 million to $8.1 million.

The presentation by project lead David Hardy summarized a scope of roughly 30,400 square feet of renovation — about 19,400 square feet for the health department, 9,400 for the diversion center and 1,600 for shared areas — and recommended replacing mechanical systems to meet health-care ventilation codes. "The existing systems are residential-style split units with fiberboard ductwork, which is not allowed under the requirements for ventilation of health care facilities," Hardy said. He recommended full mechanical replacement and new ceilings and LED lighting, work included in the current cost range.

County officials said the construction schedule, if the board moves forward, would seek bid receipt at the end of July, bid award in mid‑August and construction completion by…