Supervisors discuss demolition options for abandoned county building; seek quotes and grant opportunities

Louisa County supervisors discussed possible demolition of an abandoned county-owned building and next steps for funding and procurement.

Adam reviewed an asbestos inspection that found only small amounts of glazing around basement windows and said removal costs appeared minimal. He outlined how a demolition contract might be written: cut utility services, remove foundations, haul material to a permitted facility and backfill and seed the site. "If I was gonna do this as a road project, I would write that all down," Adam said, describing a scope-of-work that could be used for bids.

Supervisors debated whether to seek grant funding (the board discussed past derelict-building grants through Southeast Regional) or to obtain quotes now to support a grant application. Chair Kevin Arden asked about likely costs: "Are we talking $50,000, or are we talking $250,000?" He directed staff to obtain estimates and check for available grant match programs.

Board members also considered how to handle tipping fees. Adam suggested the county could pay tipping fees directly rather than have contractors pass the fee through and increase bid costs. The supervisors asked Adam to draft bidding or request-for-proposal documents and to talk with Southeast Regional and Kathy about local grant options.

No demolition contract or expenditure was approved at the meeting; the board directed staff to return with cost estimates, procurement documents and potential funding sources for a future decision.