A delay could prove costly when it comes to an expansion at Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center.

“I hate to bring bad news,” said Commissioner Blaine Wilcher, to members of the county Health and Welfare Committee. 

More than a year ago, Superior Walls president Stacey Harvey offered to donate a number of materials for an expansion free of charge. The county’s portion of the project – metal roof, plumbing and electrical – was estimated at less than $30,000. 

“Unfortunately, prices have risen over the last few months since he first discussed donating what is the largest portion of the building,” said Wilcher. “Stacey said, at this time, unless something changes, his donation will be substantially lower. He said it may just end up being the walls, but I don’t understand exactly what that means. I asked him to draw up what his current proposal is as far as what he’s willing to donate. He did say it would be a lot less because of the construction prices going up over the last few months.”

With Harvey’s donation reduction, the expense to the county will increase. 

“It doesn’t mean that we can’t do this expansion,” said Wilcher. “It does mean that we will have to put pen to paper to determine what we are going to be getting from Superior Walls and what we will have to contribute toward this project.”