Council authorizes negotiations for York County animal services facility design; members debate budget targets

York County Council authorized staff on Jan. 1 to proceed with interviews and negotiations for architectural and engineering design services for a proposed animal services facility after hearing a project update from Jim Britton and county staff.

Britton told council the county’s RFQ drew 13 architectural proposals and that staff shortlisted four firms for interviews and contract negotiations. He described two project approaches — renovate and expand the existing facility or build a new ~30,000 square‑foot facility on county‑owned land — and outlined a management schedule that would aim for design activity in early 2026 and potential bids later in the procurement timeline.

Council members pressed on budget expectations. Britton said a "5‑foot" construction number (building cost) pointed to roughly $12.5 million to $13.5 million for construction alone, with site work and other development costs adding uncertainty; he acknowledged higher figures had appeared in earlier budget documents, including a $20 million placeholder in the proposed FY‑26 budget. Several council members described $16 million as a target they preferred to use as a public planning cap, while others urged tighter aims.

Council moved to authorize contract negotiations and interviews with shortlisted firms and to continue due diligence on both site and renovation options. Staff said they would return in February with a recommendation to enter a contract and bring a refined budget and schedule to council before design is initiated.

No final contract was signed during the Jan. 1 meeting; council approved moving the procurement and negotiation process forward.