Grey County Council has taken a major step toward renovations to its existing headquarters in Owen Sound as well as a new addition to the building.
After hearing cost estimates of $13-million, council voted to proceed with detailed architectural drawings and engineering plans.
Council has heard staff, especially in social services, are currently cramped for space.
"We tried to think of every possibility and every way we could go that would be the least cost to the ratepayer, that would be the least disruption to the county business and get the job done," says Councillor Arlene Wright who is on the county's building committee.
The decision to proceed came after much discussion.
Many Grey County councillors worry the county can't afford the $13-million and should be looking at other options.
Town of Blue Mountains Mayor John McKean says they should be looking at possibly using empty space in schools as an alternative.
"And I think that really needs to be looked at because if we can repurpose one of these schools and keep the school open in part of it and have county council in the other part, I think it's a win win situation," says McKean.
The new building would also house the Provincial Offences Court.
The more detailed plans for the Grey County headquarters project are expected in about four months at a cost about $300,000.
