DeKalb approves final funding to finish animal shelter expansion; staff say new buildings ready

The DeKalb County operations committee approved a change order to finalize funding and extend the contract for completion of the county animal shelter expansion. Facility staff said the change order will allow Hawkes Construction to pay outstanding invoices and cover minor additional projects; the total requested does not exceed $1,300,000.

Staff explained $735,000 of the request comes from SPLOST funds (category A4) to pay remaining invoices for the expansion. The request also included $564,839 from the county general fund to cover additional small facility upgrades and repairs across county buildings. Facility staff said the new shelter buildings are complete, final paperwork with the City of Chamblee is in process, and the county is ready to move into the new facilities once documentation is finalized.

Commissioners asked whether the funds sought represented the total remaining need; staff said the $1.3 million total was intended to finish the project and to provide a small pool for minor repairs so the county would not return for further funding. Commissioners also asked whether some of the additional work aligned with recent facility audits; staff said it does and that some repairs will address older parts of the building.

The committee voted to approve the change order by voice vote. Staff reported they will continue to process final invoices and coordinate with the City of Chamblee on occupancy paperwork.