It will most likely be this time next year before ground is broken for the construction of a new detention center, Halifax County Manager Dia Denton told commissioners.

In getting the county to that point the board approved several items related to the matter this morning.

The first was approving a contract for schematic designs with Moseley Architects.

In a memo contained in the agenda packet, County Attorney Glynn Rollins said the county is pursuing funding for the facility through USDA Rural Development and intends to retain Moseley for all architectural services. “To keep the project on schedule we want Moseley to begin schematic design on the project before loan financing is finalized,” the memo said. “The county will likely incur expenses for schematic design services during the fiscal year.”

For pre-audit purposes, Rollins wrote it is necessary to go ahead and make appropriations from the general fund for the work and have the funds reimbursed when the loan proceeds become available.

The capital project ordinance that the board unanimously approved is for $573,750.

Denton, in response to a question from the board, said the schematic design plans would be subject to change only if the board requested changes.

The action allows Moseley to begin the design work.

The $573,750 for schematic design is part of the overall contract with Moseley, which comes with a $3.92 million price tag.

The breakdown of the $3.92 million includes the following contained in the gallery:

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The final action pertaining to the new jail was the approval of a work order with First Tryon Advisors to assist the county’s staff in preparing the loan acquisition paperwork. Payment for those services will come due at the end of the project and will be paid via loan proceeds.

That project cost is for $25,000 plus 4 percent in incidental expenses for a total of $26,000.