A new Dare County animal shelter is a step closer to reality.

On Sept. 17, Dare County’s board of commissioners approved Guernsey Tingle from Williamsburg, Virginia, as architects for the new animal shelter. The board authorized County Manager Robert L. Outten to negotiate a contract with the firm.

The county received five submissions in response to a Request for Qualifications. Guernsey Tingle won the recommendation from the review committee due to its design experience working with over 30 animal care facilities in both Virginia and North Carolina.

Additionally, the firm partners with Pace Collaborative and Kim Hamby PE. Both worked with Dare County on the Emergency Operations Center. For that project Hamby addressed stormwater management, erosion control and sanitary sewer facilities.

The new shelter is currently slated for county-owned land next to the Emergency Operations Center and the Dare County Airport.

To finance equipment contained in the county’s recently approved Capital Improvements Plan, David Clawson, County Finance Director, presented the results of a bids on financing $1,266,611 with a four year term for acquisition of equipment.

On Sept. 7, finance received proposals for financing in the amount of $1,266,611 with a four year term. Responses were received from eight financial institutions.

The lowest total cost proposal came from Bancorp Bank at a rate of 2.65 percent.

Dare’s commissioners adopted a resolution to approve Bancorp and authorized the County Manager and Finance Director to execute all necessary documents.

Commissioners proclaimed September World Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease.