Greene County considers funding conditions for new senior center
Greene County commissioners will consider accepting federal funding conditions for a proposed $1.1 million senior center construction project during their Monday, Nov. 2, meeting.
The proposed funding package includes a $1,015,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant and an $85,000 county contribution, according to documents included in the meeting packet.
Stephanie Hardison, a USDA community program specialist, is scheduled to present the letter of conditions and accompanying documents. Commissioners meet at 10 a.m. at the Greene County Operations Center.
The resolution before the board would accept the conditions and authorize Chairman Bennie Heath and Clerk Kyle DeHaven to execute documents needed to obtain the grant. County management and staff recommend approval.
Accepting the conditions would represent a step in the funding process. USDA’s letter explicitly states that it does not constitute grant approval or a representation that funds are available.
According to the letter, the grant would be considered approved when the request for obligation of funds is fully executed by all parties.
The funding would support construction of a new senior center through USDA’s Community Facilities program. The letter identifies the proposed assistance as a Congressionally Directed Spending grant.
The project budget accompanying the letter allocates $750,000 for construction, $215,000 for site work and $50,000 for contingencies. It lists the county’s $85,000 contribution under architectural and engineering fees.
A separate preliminary estimate includes a metal building, interior framing and fixtures, electrical work, heating and cooling, plumbing, doors and windows. Site development would include clearing, grading and paving.
The two budget documents agree on the $1.1 million total but categorize the county’s contribution differently. The preliminary estimate assigns $5,000 to environmental work and $80,000 to construction observation.
The packet does not identify the source of the county’s $85,000 contribution.
Before construction contracts can be issued or project funds spent on construction activities, the county must secure all money necessary to complete the project, according to the federal letter. USDA also would withhold construction disbursements until all funding is secured.
The letter warns that higher costs following bids could require an additional county contribution. Significant changes in project costs, funding sources or scope would require USDA approval.
For construction projects, the letter generally requires preconstruction conditions to be satisfied within one year. USDA reserves the right to discontinue processing if the project has not advanced to construction within that period.
The agenda materials do not specify the proposed center’s location, square footage, construction start date or opening date. They also do not detail its planned services or how the new facility would compare with the current senior center.
Residents wishing to address commissioners during public comment must sign up near the entrance before the meeting begins. Speakers may address the board for up to three minutes.
