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Commissioners weigh $1M–$3.5M options to replace or renovate overcrowded animal shelter
Summary
County staff and commissioners reviewed the animal shelter’s overcrowding and infection‑control problems. A previously prepared new‑building rendering was cited at about $3.5M; commissioners discussed lower‑cost modular and renovation alternatives in the $1–2M range and asked staff to pursue options and partnerships.
County commissioners reviewed the condition of the Chilton County animal shelter and discussed options ranging from modular renovation to building a new facility.
A staff presenter summarized recent work on the existing facility — a new roof, ventilation improvements and repaired runs — but said the shelter still struggles with disease control and overcrowding. The director reported roughly 116 dogs and more than 100 cats at one point and noted the facility’s limited capacity (around 30 cat cages and smaller dog capacity), which forces difficult intake and disposition decisions.
Commissioners reviewed a prior city rendering that had suggested a new facility at roughly $350 per square foot, totaling about $3.5 million. Multiple participants said they believed a practical new facility could be delivered for substantially less — in the $1–2 million range — by using modular kennels, selective reuse of existing equipment, or building on alternative county‑owned parcels (for example the cattleman's property near the airport). One participant said a realistic minimum budget would be about $1.5 million.
Speakers also discussed operational realities: a larger facility will likely generate more intakes, ongoing costs for medical care, and the need to plan for staffing and utilities. Commissioners noted a building fund and other restricted funds that could apply but said release of some funds requires a formal new‑building plan and architect’s drawings before the money can be disbursed.
No formal funding decision was made. Commissioners asked staff to pursue lower‑cost options, examine county parcels for siting, develop a realistic budget and funding plan, and explore donation and partnership channels before the next budget cycle.
