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Fayette County plans full funding request to close $1.5M gap for Animal Shelter Phase 2
Summary
County staff told commissioners they will recommend allocating $1.5 million in one-time revenue to fully fund Phase 2 of the animal shelter (24 kennels, large-animal barn). The Board was told the project cost is $3.372 million with $1.9 million available; a May 28 agenda item was indicated for Board approval.
Project Manager Tim Symonds and Animal Control Director Tracy Thompson presented Phase 2 of the Fayette County animal shelter on May 13, describing a kennel building, a barn for large animals, outdoor open kennels, walking trails, and supporting site work.
Symonds said the project’s guaranteed maximum price is $3.372 million and that current funding totals roughly $1.9 million, leaving an approximate $1.5 million shortfall. County Administrator Steve Rapson told the Board staff plans to recommend allocating $1.5 million in one‑time revenue when the budget is transmitted on May 21 and will bring the project before the Board for approval on May 28.
"The goal is to fully fund the building and Phase 2 improvements rather than leave the project short and require fundraising," Rapson said. Animal‑welfare advocates had indicated support so long as the County continued to move forward, staff reported.
If approved, staff expects to begin work in late June with a targeted completion date in February 2027. Symonds said the design includes 24 kennels and a barn area for larger animals and described the plan as straightforward; Thompson told the Board animal advocates were supportive of proceeding.
The funding plan will be considered as part of the May 21 budget transmittal and the May 28 Board agenda; no formal appropriation had been recorded at the retreat.
