NORWICH – Design work continues for separating the old jail and sheriff’s building on West Park Place into office buildings, but the start date could be pushed back until the county’s tower project is better defined.

The estimated $2 million office project was tentatively scheduled to begin in late August and be completed early next year. Bids for Chenango County’s $3.5 million communications construction project are expected to be awarded in June.

John Lorence of South New Berlin-based John Snyder Architects asked members of the Chenango County Agricultural, Buildings and Grounds Committee on Tuesday when the county would pull out the 911 Emergency Communications center still housed in the former sheriff’s office.

“There’s a bundle of wires in there about this thick,” he said while holding up his hands in the shape of an average-sized tree trunk. “I wouldn’t want to cut the wrong one.”

Committee Chairman Briggs recommended “if reasonable” to wait on setting a date for demolition until a date for beginning the tower project is better known.

The committee reviewed schematic and three dimensional designs that detailed elevators, staircases, lobbies, offices and other amenities. Plans include exterior and building facade work as well as interior utilities and egress patterns. The architects also provided for variations in office, hallway and bathroom configurations that could be undertaken at a later date.