If the Warren County Health Department needs to remain in its current location when the planned administration building opens, the commissioners and health department officials are open to the short-term arrangement. Needing to trim at least $2 million to get the building project down to its $6 million budgeted amount, the county commission learned last week one of the major cost-savings could be to provide unfinished space for future relocation of the health department and emergency management offices. If those offices aren't completed as initially presented, it could save several thousand dollars. "We have to stay within our $6 million," Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage said. "We have to do that. If we can hold that off and finish that off next year, or however long it takes, the (health department) doesn't have to be right with us right now." The need to slash $2 million from the project caught the commissioners off guard when Septagon, the project manager, estimated the overall project to cost $8,524,129.16 on Feb. 22. That figure was substantially higher than the projected cost of $6,880,495 presented by Treanor Architects PA, the building's design firm, on Nov. 5, 2009. Most of the difference focused on how Treanor and Septagon figured construction costs, specifically the basement level of the two-story building which would house the health department, emergency management operations and provide storage space for each department. The health department is currently not facing space issues. Its existing offices located in the basement of the courthouse were renovated about a year ago. The construction project added an extra 1,200 square feet of room to the health department. Most of the renovation cost was covered by a $107,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. "If we need to stay here, we can stay here," said Ruth Walters, health department administrator. "At this point of time, we have adequate space. We're flexible." The only concerns expressed by Walters are related to accessibility for residents who visit the health department. The commissioners are uncertain how an outside entrance will fit in with the building's design. The health department is proposed to be located on the west side. Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner said he preferred to have a similar setup as the one the health department currently has. "I think we are all striving to not make any major mistakes," he said. Last week, Treanor presented a 36,071-square-foot facility, a downsize from the prior building size of 40,733. Sharon Schmitz, of Treanor Architects, said the smaller building would save the county around $700,000. A more detailed cost estimate is expected to be available within the next week or two when the county commission meets with Treanor and Septagon representatives again. Though actual costs won't be known until bids are opened, scheduled for sometime this summer, it was suggested to bid the health department as an alternate. That way the commissioners can proceed with the remainder of the facility and have the option to construct the health department as planned if costs come in under budget. It's also uncertain how the county will proceed with the space reserved for the emergency management operations headed up by Administrator Mike Daniels. He is seeking a $400,000 grant to outfit the area. While the commissioners are optimistic the county will receive the funds, it's not known when an announcement will be made. Even then, that office area might be included as a bid alternate should the application be denied. "I hope it will all work out with the bids and grant," Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson said. "Things do look positive in both areas that it will move right along. But if it comes down to it, this is what we have to do." Any delay in the health department moving into the new building also would impact the need for more space for the sheriff's department. Once county offices are relocated, plans call for the sheriff's department to take over the space currently utilized by the health department. In addition, a jail dorm to house work release inmates will be built in space currently serving as the maintenance area on the main floor while a third courtroom also is expected to be built where the commission's chambers currently are. The new county building, to be constructed on approximately 3 acres purchased last year on South Highway 47 and Mockingbird Lane, will house all non-court related offices. The facility was expected to be finished by the fall, but delays in the design process will push the opening to next summer at the earliest.