The DeWitt County Animal Shelter project continues to make headway.

The DeWitt County Board heard presentations at their meeting June 23rd. The board heard from architects Jim Fouse from Architectural Expressions in Forsyth and Scott Calgary, who is a licensed architect in Illinois with a small firm. Fouse spoke as to his plans to work with the board and Public Safety Committee to come up with a concept that would be accepted by both the board and the public.

[audio:animalshelter1.mp3]A Word From Fouse[/audio]

Calgary came forward to introduce his proposal. He had a conceptual design and estimate for the board. Without a clear idea of what size of a shelter and budget for the building, it would be tough for him to say for sure the design and figures he presented would remain consistent, however, he felt confident they could be maintained.

[audio:animalshelter2.mp3]A Word From Calgary[/audio]

Both architects have designed animal shelters in the central Illinois area.

After both architects came forward to present, the board decided it was in the best interest to give Architectural Expressions a chance to come forward with a conceptual design and estimate.

DeWitt County board chair Melonie Tillie says the total cost for the new Animal Shelter is in the works for the county. She says part of the process of bringing in architects to present to the board is begin the process of gathering all the necessary information associated with receiving a total cost amount.

[audio:animalshelter3.mp3]A Word From Tillie[/audio]

Tillie also mentioned upon the board beginning the process of working on a budget, placing money aside for the new Animal Shelter will be a part of that process. Her hope is for the designs to be ready in the next few months, and then put those out for bid, and she hopes next spring to begin getting the shelter up.