Crockett staff outline lower‑cost plan to repurpose building for animal shelter; seeks ARPA funds

City staff told the council that prior engineering estimates for a purpose‑built animal shelter ranged from roughly $1.2 million to $1.4 million and that the city could not afford that without increasing taxes. Instead, staff said an opportunity arose to purchase an existing building with clinical rooms that could meet program needs after targeted renovations.

Staff described interior water damage to engineered flooring layers and said crews removed buckled floating floors; they proposed placing commercial vinyl floating flooring over existing layers where asbestos abatement could be avoided, painting walls with oil‑based primer to address smells and replacing sagging ceiling tiles. Staff estimated these renovation tasks — plus a foundation repair for a corner slab settled about 3 inches across a roughly 10‑foot area — could be completed for no more than $20,000 and asked council to consider using ARPA funds and accepting vetted community fundraisers to offset costs.

Staff also emphasized the city does not plan to operate a full‑time public shelter until staffing is available but said the city has an animal‑control officer and a retired police Tahoe for transport and response. A local veterinarian has offered to partner with the city to provide spay/neuter, vaccinations and surgical services, which staff said would reduce long‑term taxpayer expense.

Council asked staff to return with quotes and a scope of work before committing funds.