Why Does The Animal Shelter Cost So Much? - And Response

  • Friday, November 16, 2018

I have no doubt a new HES shelter is needed but am confused by the cost. I keep seeing the numbers $10-$13 million to build a new shelter and I'd think several could be built for that amount. 

I must be missing something significant, so I'm asking what is it?

Sam Taylor 

* * * 

That’s a great question, so here’s what I found about pricing. The simple answer to your question as to why it cost so much could be attributed to the county waiting so long. We could have saved a ton of money building it sooner, the need was unquestionable. We knew we needed the building when prices were below $100 or less per square foot to build. Commercial building prices are approximately $200+ per square foot currently to build, which has risen exponentially over the years. We could wait some more, but that has not worked out well for Hamilton County in the past.  

While some voters feel this was an emotional decision to build the new building I disagree. This was about money more than anything. Stop waiting and build it before the price gets really out of hand. The need was an obvious one.

James Berry

Latest Headlines
Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more