Fiscal court approves purchase phase for new rescue‑squad building

The Owsley County Fiscal Court voted to move forward with the first phase of a rescue-squad/storage building project after hearing a presentation from NESB Engineering on site plans and estimated costs.

A representative from NESB Engineering told the court the preexisting concrete may be reusable pending geotechnical testing and that the preferred prefab structure is roughly 50 by 30 feet. The engineer provided order and material timing, said the vendor needs confirmation before the 15th of the month to meet production scheduling, and estimated the building package at about $36,118 (readback in the meeting was roughly $36,118–36,137).

The presenter also outlined site-work requirements: roughly 48 cubic yards of concrete for a pad (with lower cost if a cap is used instead of full pour), insulation quantities and the need to budget for contractor labor and electrical work separately. The engineer recommended a phased approach: (1) purchase the prefab building, (2) perform site concrete and geotechnical work, and (3) install utilities and finishes.

A motion to proceed with the initial purchase phase was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. "If you guys want to build this building down there, that'll be the first phase," one member said before the motion.

County members discussed using line-item funds for the purchase, payment scheduling and whether the engineering fee shown in the estimate was an initial draw or part of the total package. No detailed contract award was recorded in the transcript excerpt; staff were directed to proceed with procurement steps and to finalize pricing and scheduling with the vendor.