Woefully inadequate animal shelter facilities will be replaced.

Woefully inadequate animal shelter facilities will be replaced.

The organization of ICARE has raised $20,000 more for a new Animal Shelter project. That means available money adds up to $545,000. The Inyo Supervisors asked Deputy Public Works Director Jim Tatum to go ahead with preparation of bid requests that would include two options – one shelter with space for people and one without. Officials did re-confirm that they support Option 2, the building with space for the public and employees but want information on both options in the bid process.

Deputy Director Tatum said Option two, with space for people, would cost roughly $700,000. Option 1 with only space for animals would cost $584,000. Supervisor Jeff Griffiths said the County could start with the animals-only building and add offices and public space later. Supervisor Rick Pucci said “phasing this project scares me.” He said the County needs to pick Option 2 and go for it. He said he believes raising the extra money is doable.

Linda Arcularius favored naming both Options in the bid process as a back-up in case the County can’t raise the $700,000. ICARE President Ted Schade said the organization needs to have the Option 2 goal out there to raise donations. Schade said he thought the Board had committed to Option 2 the last time the issue came up. He said the existing Animal Shelter is “pretty awful for employees and the public, who has to sit outside on a plastic table.” He said ICARE is promoting Option 2.

County Administrator Kevin Carunchio said the County does want to move forward with Option 2 but include Option 1 in the bid process for information purposes and a fall-back position. Schade then said he saw everyone is talking the same plan. Arcularius pointed out that if the full amount can not be raised, the County would have to start over on another plan. With Option 1 in the bid process, that would offer an alternative.

The Board voted unanimously for the Public Works Department to go forward with plans and develop a bid process including both options.

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