After years of fundraising and setbacks, construction of the Greene County animal shelter began Monday.
Components of the metal building were delivered late last week, and a crew from Jensen Builders is now erecting the 3,000-square foot building.
According to Jefferson city administrator Mike Palmer, substantial completion is scheduled for Sept. 30. A public opening will be held later in the autumn.
Total cost of the building is budgeted at $1,161,800, with $400,000 of that being city funding.
Don Orris and a dedicated committee of volunteers have spent the past several years fundraising for the new shelter. The late Wallace Teagarden offered to match up $75,000 in donations shortly before his death late last year. Teagarden’s donation, assuming the challenge is met, will complete the fundraising effort. According to Palmer, $55,000 has been donated to meet the challenge to date. Another $20,000 is still needed.
Although the facility will be owned and operated by the city of Jefferson, it will shelter animals from all of Greene County. The county will provide some funding for operating the facility, but is not involved in constructing it.
Persons who want to donate can send checks to Jefferson City Hall at 220 N. Chestnut St, Jefferson, IA 50129. Checks should be payable to the City of Jefferson, with “Animal Shelter” noted in the memo line.
