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Officials give timeline update for CAST animal-services bond project; completion targeted April 27, 2027
Summary
Mike Wheeler told the council that the $3.9 million CAST bond program has pivoted through several site options, construction will start Dec. 15, and the projected maximum build completion date is April 27, 2027; staff outlined remaining infrastructure items and noted vehicle purchases and program-office work.
Mike Wheeler presented an update on the Cabot Animal Services bond program (CAST) during the Dec. 1 meeting, summarizing past project versions, current site work and a projected completion schedule.
Wheeler said the citizen-approved $3.9 million bond originally funded an earlier project ("CAST 1.0") but higher-than-expected costs forced the city to pivot through alternate sites ("CAST 2.0") and currently to a new site adjacent to a college property ("CAST 3.0"). He said city crews have completed earthwork, pad work and sewer infrastructure at the current site; a pre-construction meeting was held and dozers are scheduled to begin Dec. 15. Wheeler said the build is planned as a 14-month project with an allowance for winter delays and a maximum completion date of April 27, 2027.
Wheeler also listed expenditures already made or planned under the program, including architecture and engineering fees, demolition and retrofit work at a program office in a former Sears building, and three vehicles purchased under a prior resolution. He said roughly $879,000 in land proceeds was earmarked to supplement the bond to put the program back near the originally authorized total and that $2.9 million is budgeted for furniture, fixtures and equipment and startup costs for veterinary services.
Council members asked about the bridge and power-line work tied to site access; Wheeler said the bridge was projected to be completed in August 2026 and that power-line reroutes had been negotiated and would cost less than earlier estimates. Wheeler offered to provide photos, further schedule details and an opening date in follow-up communications.
Why this matters: The update explains how the citizen-approved bond is being used, shows the city’s plan to proceed with construction, and identifies schedule and budget items residents and stakeholders may monitor as the project moves to construction.
