After numerous fundraising efforts collected nearly $43,000, county commissioners voted last week to cover the remaining balance to install an elevator at the Dawson County Senior Center.

"The seniors are going to be so happy. I'm so happy for them," said Margie Weaver, center director.

County Manager Kevin Tanner recommended using an estimated $17,000 being held in the county's capital project fund to construct the elevator.

"The money has been set aside over the years for IT or building capital projects that have not been utilized," Tanner said. "It would not affect anyone's budget. It would not affect fund balance in any way to be able to go ahead and complete this elevator project."

Opened in 1992, the intention was to have an elevator in the senior center from the beginning.

"Early on it was planned that there would be an elevator at the senior center to access the basement area from the upstairs," Tanner said.

The basement of the senior center is used on a daily basis for various programs, though many seniors cannot physically use the stairs.

"They have to physically get into a car and be driven around to either go up or down to the other level. So this is a much needed project," Tanner said.

A community-backed fundraising campaign for the elevator began in 2009 and resulted in collecting $42,832.

"What a great community we have," Tanner said.

Local architect Duane Roof also volunteered to work with the county on a preliminary design at no cost.