LANCASTER – Getting rid of common areas and putting in dedicated offices at South Glengarry’s municipal building could cost taxpayers upwards of a quarter million dollars, council will hear tonight.
Council hired J.L. Richards of Ottawa last month to come up with options for a preliminary design for the Oak Street office, which has a number of security and social distancing issues.
The firm was supposed to present the plan last month but it was postponed.
Depending on whether it wants four or six enclosed offices and “accent gypsum bulkheads with recessed lighting” it could cost anywhere from $203,076 to $241,336 and that doesn’t include any contingencies.
With contingencies for design, construction and COVID-19 factored in, those costs jump to $284,306 and $337,912.
Both designs call for solid walls, a unisex washroom, a central corridor and three consultation rooms.
J.L. Richards believes South Glengarry could save about $32,500 by recycling some building material in the 2,000 square foot structure.
The first phase of the project cost $7,500. If council likes what it sees tonight, the next phase for detailed architectural drawings in order to put the project out for bidding would cost another $24,200.
The township set aside $50,000 in this year’s budget for the project.