Gilmer County’s animal shelter will receive $1.5 million in expansions and improvements because of generous donors.
Initially, Chairman Charlie Paris was offered $200,000 for improvements at the shelter at the end of 2020 if the county would set aside $100,000 for the project.
Another donor stepped forward with $200,000 to add to the project.
At a Feb. 24 special called meeting of the board of commissioners, Paris revealed another donation was being added.
“I am very pleased to say that yesterday we also received a $1 million donation,” he said.
Post Commissioner Hubert Parker asked if there were any restrictions on the money. Paris said it was just limited to the animal shelter.
“Does the county want a $1.5 million animal care facility?” asked Parker. “I love people to give us money, but I am a little bit concerned about that.”
Additional costs of operating the facility weighed on Parker’s mind.
Paris noted the utility costs would rise. There might be one or two additional personnel for the shelter as well. He said he did not see a large increase in expenses otherwise.
“I think right now Gilmer County has gotten basically a statewide reputation for the fact we do animal control and we do it properly,” he said.
Because of increasing construction costs, Paris said what he thought the county could get for $500,000 initially is now going to cost close to $1.5 million.
Parker asked if part of the $1.5 million could be set aside for operations. Paris said he would check.
Paris said he is working with donors and animal shelter personnel to look at designs for the expansion.