The Lee County Board of Supervisors seems to be more committed to moving a county department.
Previous boards have talked about relocating the health department to no avail.
The latest proposal calls for the department to move from its current location in Fort Madison to a building that would be constructed near the Lee County Jail.
Chairman Rick Larkin wants to make sure this plan does not slip through the cracks.
"Every two weeks, I expect a report back from the committee working on this," says Larkin. "What is going on and see what is going to develop with a new location and a new building for the health department."
"Every two weeks, I expect a report back from the committee working on this" - Chairman Rick Larkin
It's estimated the Lee County Health Department will spend nearly $1-million over the next 15 years on repairs, rent and utilities at its current location.
Supervisor Ron Fedler says that could offset future bond payments if the county has to borrow money for a new building.
JAIL EXPANSION
Meanwhile, Lee County has received the go-ahead to add cells to its jail.
John Hansen with Midwest Construction Consultants says the state has signed off on the county’s plan to add about two dozen beds.
It could be several months, though, before work gets underway because of the need to have parts and equipment on hand.
Hansen says the project does not require additional space but rather the opening up of existing space in the jail.
He says the recently completed expansion of the jail was done with expansion in mind as services such as plumbing and electrical are already in place.
Hansen says the contractors involved in that project will be used again to maintain continuity.
The project is expected to cost Lee County about $450,000.
