Scott County Fiscal Court approved a memorandum of understanding to add a second storm shelter adjacent to the county's existing Lyle Road shelter, accepting a pledge of up to $75,000 from ownership at Sawyer Point MHC to help fund the structure.
Court members said the existing shelter is rated for 93 people but recently sheltered more than 125 during a storm event, prompting the need for additional capacity. Judge Covington introduced the MOU and asked for questions; Mike (EMA official) explained the new shelter would be sited immediately next to the current facility on property where the county already holds easements for lots 42 and 44, allowing two shelters to be placed side-by-side and to be made accessible.
Court members discussed parking and site logistics. "Parking has been an issue for the existing one," one magistrate said; court staff reported discussions with Sawyer Point management about adding gravel parking and noted nearby properties might offer overflow parking but flood-plain constraints limit alternatives.
The court motioned and approved the MOU by voice vote. The court also approved a separate motion to advertise the construction bid; Duane Ellison seconded that motion and the advertisement vote passed.
Officials said Sawyer Point's pledge is in the county budget and that the additional shelter should improve local storm response and reduce overflow at the existing facility. Staff noted continued coordination with Sawyer Point management on parking and site access.