Leaders pick construction company for new 911 center

Soon the new multi-million dollar Boone County emergency communication center will take shape on an empty lot just north of the Boone County Jail. Commissioners said it’s been a long time coming.

“So many people have worked on it so hard to make sure we turned every rock and made sure that we covered every base, and I believe we are off to a really good start,” said Boone County Commissioner Karen Miller.

Boone County commissioners sealed the deal Tuesday morning at the commission meeting, awarding the contract a local construction company, Little Dixie.

In January, the county sold more than $13 million in bonds to pay for the project. The 2013 voter-approved sales tax will pay off the bonds over the next 20 years. The county said it was able to save money due to its high bond rating.

“We’ll save over $270,000 from what we had originally planned, and so instead of spending that $270,000 on interest and financing costs, we can put that money towards public safety,” said Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway.

Construction of the emergency communication center is estimated to cost around $13.1 million, which includes architect fees among other costs. Technology for the facility will cost around $8.5 million for a total cost of around $21.6 million.

Commissioners Miller said, weather permitting, Little Dixie will get started soon after pre-construction planning and meetings.