Architect says reuse plan reduces scope but project still exceeds local hospital funding capacity

An architect presenting options for a proposed emergency response complex told the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors that a design that reuses existing metal building components reduces cost but still carries an estimated construction price in the high six figures to low millions.

The presentation compared previous full-build scenarios to a more conservative scheme that reuses the north end of an existing pre-engineered metal building, and the consultant said the revised estimate would likely remain north of $1 million. "It's still over $1,000,000," the architect said during the board brief.

Board members pressed the consultant and hospital representatives on funding options. A hospital representative said the hospital would not be able to fund the entire project and would need to consider phased or reduced scope proposals. Supervisors discussed the possibility of paring noncritical program elements, searching for grants, or phasing the work to reduce immediate county and hospital burden.

The consultant said further value-engineering could reduce costs, and the board asked for additional refined estimates and prioritized program lists before committing to continuing the design process.