Still uncertain about how to proceed with plans for a new Agency on Aging building, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday morning voted to move forward with pursuing a grant and authorizing a preliminary architectural report for a new facility.

But later in the day they decided to put the matter on Thursday’s agenda for reconsideration.

At issue is whether or not the commissioners will go forward with their earlier intention of asking the city of Kalispell to use the city’s 2013 slot for a Community Development Block Grant to help pay for a new Agency on Aging building.

If approved, the federal grant would give Flathead County up to $450,000 for a new facility to house services for the elderly. The Agency on Aging has outgrown its leased facility on Kelly Road.

Prior to the commissioners’ votes, county grantwriter Deb Pierson asked the commissioners if they were ready to proceed with the grant application. With the city of Kalispell ready to put [the CDBG] application on its agenda, “you need to be comfortable” with it, she advised.

“We don’t have to have the money in the bank, but we need a solid funding strategy,” Pierson said.

There also was discussion about whether a site needs to be picked for the Agency on Aging building before the grant application is submitted. Pierson said the application would need to stipulate the building would be constructed on county land.

“CDBG wants to know we have site control,” she said.

Commissioner Gary Krueger said he anticipates changes if the grant application moves forward.

“I have problems saying we’re going to do something ... right now the plan is to use county property. That may not happen,” Krueger said.

Despite Krueger’s hesitation, the commissioners on Tuesday unanimously voted to accept a proposal from Architects Design Group for a preliminary architectural report, which for $4,400 would analyze three site options: the north area of the county fairgrounds, county lots just south of the Earl Bennett Building, and an L-shaped piece of property also south of the Earl Bennett Building.

The commissioners also unanimously voted to “commit the funds required to satisfy [the grant] application.”

The commissioners will reconsider the grant application and preliminary architectural report at 9 a.m. Thursday in their chambers on the third floor of the main courthouse.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.