Leaders said they had hopes for about $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the project. The EMA center was damaged last winter when water seeped through the outside walls, causing major damage, then mold started to grow inside.

Since then, crews have been working out of a small building near the county's tower site.

Council leaders said even though they will not get federal money to help with repairs, they will not increase residents' taxes. Instead, the county will refinance bonds to pay for the project.

"We are in the position right now to fund that project and an upgrade of the county phone systems without borrowing money (and) without going out on the market to borrow money," said County Commissioner Paul Corbin.

Repair work at the EMA building is winding down and workers are expected to be back in the building by Sept. 10.