PRINCESS ANNE — With the lowest of three bids 170% over budget for the design and engineering of a new building for Dog Control, the County Commissioners asked their maintenance director to consult with a contractor that specializes in steel pole barns to see if it could submit a better price.

A new building and kennel are planned for Dog Control in Westover, but architectural services by the low bidder Davis, Bowen & Friedel Inc. was $110,150. Charles Cavanaugh said the expense was estimated to be no more than $65,000 and the commissioners were unwilling to deduct $49,150 from the $500,000 construction budget for design.

A representative from Morton Buildings had visited the site and prepared a sketch but did not formally submit a bid. Dog Control Supervisor Scott Sturgis said Morton could demolish the existing building and provide a design for a new building for $5,000 to $7,000 which the county could shop out for construction.

Commissioner Vice President Charles Laird said the bid price was too high for what is needed, “an ag building….to house animals.” With a properly built pole building, “You’re going to house them in a very good way, and save a little bit of money. I really don’t think we need to spend $100,000 on an engineered drawing.”

He compared it to building a chicken house, there are many builders, “but you tell them how you want it.” If they can’t do that, “go back to the other ones,” he said.

“It’s hard to spend $110,000 for drawings,” Commissioner Rex Simpkins said, adding, “we’re not in any rush.” He along with the board on Oct. 25 by consensus requested Mr. Cavanaugh see what Morton could offer.

“You tell them what you want,” President Craig Mathies Sr. said. “Even if they charge $20,000, $25,000 or $30,000 that’s still a lot cheaper and you tell them what the specs are.”

The other two bidders for architectural and engineering services were George, Miles & Buhr LLC for $134,055 and Fisher & Associates for $138,645.

Currently Dog Control staff are in offices located in the Sheriff’s Office.