HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0918Blumenstein said it was revealed, when the lease arrangement was being studied,
that new construction would result in a lower net cost than leasing. She said 53% of the
interest would be reimbursed by the federal government for the construction costs.
Blumenstein said that to maximize the federal reimbursements, the county needed to have
all of the project's components done in a specific timeline.
Jones said he had been on the social services board for one year, and his concerns
centered around liability issues. He said the county would have the current building as an
asset, if a new facility were built.
Commissioner Johnson said he recalled the county would recover the cost of a
new building in 30 years. He stressed concerns, however, about the State's past
budgetary problems and the impact this has had on the county. He also questioned the
State's budgetary health in the future.
Lackey asked about the county's Eastside Drive property and the Bristol Road
site. He asked which site the commissioners preferred for social services.
Commissioner Johnson said the board had looked at the Bristol Drive property, in
terms of a social services building, but this was before the county acquired the Eastside
Drive property.
Commissioner Bowles asked the social services board members if they had any
problems with the Eastside Drive site.
Lackey said no. He said it was a beautiful site.
Mashburn said the county needed to have a usage plan devised for the social
services building, if a new facility were built. He said that at one time, the feasibility of
housing the Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare employees at the site was discussed;
however, mental health programs were now being reorganized by the State. Mashburn
said Crossroads might not need as much space in the future.
Commissioner Bowles asked how imperative it was to have all the employees
under one roof.
Wall said that at present, with three different sites, it was difficult to administer
the programs and staff. He said there were three different file rooms now, and two of
them could be eliminated with a new facility. He also said there wouldn't be a need for
as many file clerks -- labor could be consolidated.
Lackey said the clients were traveling to the North Center site not realizing the
program they needed was at another location. He said it was frustrating for the clients.
Commissioner Johnson asked how much money was needed for a new building.
Mashburn said $5.6 million to $6 million plus. Mr. Mashburn said he thought the
building would need to be at least two levels.
Harrington said it was less expensive to build multi-level.
Lackey asked where the social services department was on the list of capital
priorities.
Tice said the social services project was next -- after the library.
Mashburn said that in a pay-as-you-go arrangement, the county would need to
accumulate about $2 - $2.5 million a year. He said the library project was about paid off,
with the exception of some funding for this year.