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Commissioners told animal-shelter renovation quotes exceed estimates; options to reduce rubber-surfacing and HVAC costs discussed
Summary
During the March work session commissioners heard that rubber floor surfacing and HVAC quotes for the animal-control facility came in substantially higher than original estimates and discussed possible scope reductions and grant-seeking to cover shortfalls.
Swain County commissioners were informed at the March work session that cost quotes for animal-shelter renovations have come in higher than earlier estimates, and they discussed options to reduce scope and seek outside grants.
Commissioners said the original estimate for rubber surfacing (to make concrete non-porous and easily washable) had been about $30,000; more recent quotes reached roughly $66,000. Commissioners discussed reducing wall coverage in some rooms to lower costs and suggested the figure might be reduced to the $40,000–$45,000 range if scope adjustments match practices used by other counties.
They also reported a wide variance on HVAC pricing: an earlier planning estimate had been around $20,000 but some vendor quotes approached $75,000. Commissioners said they were seeking more precise bids and that staff would continue negotiating and revising quotes. One commissioner suggested pursuing grant funding to avoid drawing further on the county’s capital funds.
Commissioners asked maintenance and project staff to identify remaining big-ticket items and said they would quantify available funds and then determine whether to seek grants or reallocate budgeted amounts. They also discussed phasing remaining work and prioritizing safety and operational items already in place (for example, block work and other structural elements already completed).
Why it matters: rising renovation costs could require additional county funds or grant support, and cost decisions will affect the animal shelter’s timeline and final design.
Sources: Commissioner statements and project discussion at the Swain County Board of Commissioners work session, March.
