Pound High School in Johnson City, TN almost received approval this week for a prefabricated metal building for their weight room. Almost.

However, a slew of motions, substitute motions and amended motions by the Wise County School Board delayed action until next month.

Some board members questioned the $35,000 costs for a metal building that would basically contain just walls, a concrete floor and basic plumbing.

Others wanted more detail on the project, along with volunteer groups that would put the finishing touches on the structure at no cost to the county.

The issue of steel building prices here drew a lot of debate in an otherwise rare short meeting, with little controversy between board members.

Vice Chairman Kyle Fletcher, who represents the Pound and Appalachia communities, said the Pound High facility used as a dressing room for sports is “deplorable” and poses health problems during a time when Wise County schools have battled staph infections in some athletic programs.

Volunteers are prepared to donate labor and materials to finish the steel building if the school system pays about $35,000 for the prefabricated structure, Nelson said.

“It’s a need,” he added.