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Troup County staff ask to fund design work for proposed county animal-control facility; preliminary cost estimate ~$700,000
Summary
Staff presented preliminary designs and cost estimates to convert an existing extension-office building to an animal-control facility (~$600,000 renovation plus up to $100,000 to equip), and asked for permission to hire Skip Smith Design Group (fee 5.7% capped at $43,000) to produce bid-ready plans so the county can obtain firm contractor bids and operating-cost estimates.
County staff presented feasibility work on Sept. 2 for a county-run animal-control facility serving unincorporated Troup County, asking the board to approve design and specifications work to put a renovation out to bid.
Staff said converting an existing extension-office building next to the jail would likely cost in the mid‑$600,000s for construction and up to $100,000 more to equip the facility — a preliminary total near $700,000. The county has been paying roughly $650,000 per year under a contract to house animals elsewhere, staff said, and they argued a county facility could run more efficiently and reduce recurring contract costs over a multiyear horizon.
Staff asked to retain Skip Smith Design Group to prepare a minimal design and specifications package that would allow competitive bids; the proposed fee is 5.7% of construction with a guaranteed maximum of $43,000. Staff said they had already met multiple times with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s shelter/licensing representative and would keep that reviewer engaged throughout plan development to ensure compliance with state requirements.
Commissioners asked about operating staffing, capacity (benchmarks of 20 base kennels vs a 40‑kennel build to avoid creating demand), inmate labor to assist with operations, ventilation and drainage upgrades, and whether the facility’s annex location would allow sharing services with the jail. Staff said they would return in 2–3 months with firm bid numbers and an estimated operating budget after design work and contractor estimates are obtained.
