DOBSON — An update on the ongoing struggles with the Interstates Sewer Project is expected when the Surry County Board of Commissioners meets for its regular meeting Monday night.

The meeting is set to get under way at 6 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room of the county Government Center in Dobson.

County Manager Chris Knopf has said that while there may not be a lot of new information available, interest by both the public and the board dictates the update.

At issue is whether the county will be able to continue working with its engineer on the project in the face of upheaval at the firm, Hobbs Upchurch & Associates, which resulted in the departure of its grant administration department as well as the county’s engineer.

Knopf said he plans to present the board of commissioners with plenty of options for its next move, regardless of whether the commissioners choose to continue with the Southern Pines firm.

“I want to make sure that whatever we decide to do, we’ve looked at every detail and considered every option,” he said, noting that it’s going to take a little time. “That involves us taking a look back at what’s been accomplished in this project, but at the same time, we’re developing other options in the event we decide to go with another firm.”

The county is facing a time crunch since the city of Mount Airy has requested additional information about the $4.5 million combined gravity and force-main system, information that will not be available without engineering work.

The city has pledged $1 million to the project, provided the county uses the combined system.

A light agenda faces the board otherwise.

County Facilities Director Don Mitchell is expected to update the board on a project to update the sprinkler system in the Human Services Building.

Tax Administrator Michael Hartgrove is expected to give the board a general tax update.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.