FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to fund a new ADA-accessible entrance to the Iredell County Government Center in Statesville.

The $3.4 million project includes construction of new handicap parking spaces, a prominent ADA entrance, accessible restrooms and a secure reception area.

Commissioners authorized County Manager Beth Mull to sign a contract with Edifice Construction, which worked with Fuller Architectural on the design, constructability reviews and bidding for the project.

Commissioner Gene Houpe advocated for funding the base project ($2.9 million) and four alternates, which includes parking lot modifications, new carpet in the admin building, pain on the upper level and new windows.

Completing the entire project now will save money in the long run due to increasing construction costs, Houpe said.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business:

♦ Commissioners voted to proceed with planning of phase I of the fairgrounds project. This phase includes construction of a 25,000-square-foot agriculture hall and parking upgrades.

“We need to roll with this thing and get on with it,” Vice Chair Bert Connolly said.

The board agreed to incorporate design for a new outdoor farmers market into the plan.

The county will pay CPL Architectural Engineering and Planning $1.26 million for programing, design, engineering and construction administration for phase I.

♦ The board approved a request from the Library to appoint an America 250 NC Committee.

♦ Commissioners approved a budget amendment to appropriate $1,447,286 to Iredell-Statesville Schools and $398,696 to Mooresville Graded School District, part of which will be owed to the Charter Schools in these districts. The proportional share to Mitchell Community College, in accordance with our funding formula, is $132,182. The total amount of the appropriation is $1,978,164. This is a one-time appropriation that will only be disbursed if Iredell-Statesville Schools can provide documentation showing they are in need of the additional funds.