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Cooperative Extension seeks $115,000 for educational greenhouse; commissioners urge budget planning support
Summary
Iredell County Cooperative Extension presented a $115,000 capital plan for an 18-by-30 polycarbonate educational greenhouse. Extension staff say $31,100 has been raised so far; commissioners suggested discussing county-level support during upcoming budget planning.
Iredell County Cooperative Extension staff asked commissioners Tuesday for support as they advance plans for an educational greenhouse estimated at $115,000.
Melinda Roberts, horticulture agent, described the proposed facility as an 18-by-30 polycarbonate greenhouse to be installed on a concrete slab with drainage, benches, heating and cooling, accessible entrances and associated site work. “Our projected cost…is $115,000 and that cost includes a really nice 18 by 30 polycarbonate greenhouse…installation of a storage shed, outside working benches, installation of gravel, moving fences, everything that you could imagine,” Roberts said.
Roberts told the board the project supports Master Gardener programming, school gardens, community garden partnerships and small-farm education. The extension has raised $31,100 to date and has a $500 verbal commitment not yet received. She described multiple fundraising channels: sponsorship levels tied to signage, three pending grant applications, Master Gardener fundraising and in-kind donations such as gravel.
Commissioners discussed options for county support without undermining private fundraising. One commissioner proposed discussing use of rollover or “rollback” funds from farm current-use taxation as a potential source during the upcoming budget planning session; another suggested county loan or partial commitment but cautioned against preempting community fundraising. The purchasing process and requirement for three bids were flagged as near-term steps before the county could solicit construction proposals. Roberts said she is working with county purchasing staff on scope of work and is aiming to have funding by August so vendor selection and installation could proceed.
No formal monetary commitment was made at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to consider the project in budget discussions scheduled for May, and Roberts said the greenhouse committee will continue fundraising and finalize scope and bids with county purchasing staff.
