ALFRED — The York County Emergency Management Agency, which is housed within the county government building on Route 4, will be expanding.

The agency, which is responsible for aid during emergencies and disasters and undergoes training and preparedness planning and exercises in advance of those emergencies, will be expanding into renovated space in what used to be the “F” block of the building, which until early 2004 was known as York County Jail.

The renovation, estimated at $323,000, will be 50 percent funded by a federal grant passed through the state. The remaining funds, York County Commissioners decided Wednesday, will come from money left over from last year’s budget.

County manager Greg Zinser estimated the county ended the year with a $650,000 surplus. He proposed $200,000 be set aside in a reserve account to pay for renovations to the former cell block.

Commission Vice Chairman Richard Dutremble, sitting in for chairwoman Sallie Chandler, who was absent, pointed out the amount was more than needed, and the board agreed to fund $162,000 ”“ or 50 percent ”“ of the project.

“This is a logical step,” said Commissioner Gary Sinden of the proposed expansion. He called the county emergency management agency “one of our most effective partners.”

Sinden pointed out as a separate project to transform part of the old jail into government offices was approved earlier this year, the facility becomes a permanent asset.

The project will be subject to bidding.

During public comment, Sanford resident Donna Ring, who is a county employee, said capital projects should be budgeted. The county budget process wound down in early July.

“My objection is not the renovation ”“ EMA needs it,” she said. “My problem is it didn’t go through the budget process.”

Renovations to another portion of the building, to make the way for two new offices, three conference rooms and an addition to the wellness center, are expected to commence later this summer. Zinser, in a prior interview said the projected $240,000-$300,000 cost for that expansion comes from reserves. The sole bidder for construction management of the project was Pine Brook Corporation of Kittery. Requests for proposals were made to four potential bidders ”“ two declined to bid indicating the project was too small, and a third didn’t respond, Zinser said.

The emergency management agency will also be hiring a full-time trainer, according to County EMA director Art Cleaves, who said that the position is also grant-funded. Commissioners agreed, with the provision that if grant funding ceases, the position would be eliminated.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].