MORGAN -- The Morgan County Council is getting more serious about building a public safety building, but there may not be enough money to cover the entire wish list.
The new building, proposed to be built near the county gun range, would house public safety training facilities, an animal-control shelter, a front office and a large storage bay for search-and-rescue equipment.
The equipment and services that would be housed in the new building are now scattered in several areas.
"We all recognize the good it can do for the county and the significant revenue that could be saved," said Council Chairman Sid Creager. "But if it is not fiscally possible to accomplish, it doesn't make sense to move forward."
The county could afford a $350,000 loan amortized over 25 years based on the amount of money currently paid each month to a local veterinarian for animal shelter services.
With an additional $50,000 grant from the National Rifle Association of America, the total available for the project comes to around $400,000.
In exchange for the grant, the NRA would be able to use classroom space for instruction on concealed weapon permits and hunter safety.
In addition, the county expects to get revenue from renting classrooms to other law enforcement agencies.
The county also submitted an application to the Community Impact Fund Board, a state agency with a revolving loan fund and favorable interest rates, said Council Administrator Garth Day.
A proposal dealing with lease revenue bonds of not more than $500,000 was on the council's last agenda, but council members agreed they need more time to explore options.
"We've struggled a little with trying to get the building to fit in the parameters of $400,000," Day said.
What began as a plan for 7,500 square feet has since been pared down to a 4,500- square-foot building, he said.
"I'm not sure we have a viable project without an additional revenue source. I don't want to build a facility that's not useful."
Council members agree.
"I would hate to downsize just to meet the cost and have a building that's not functional," said Councilman Don Mathews.
The council directed county staff to gather more information in the next 30 days before the project is placed on the agenda again.
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