Fluvanna County officials are making strides in the courthouse renovation project, with plans to finalize bid documents and potentially secure a two-month extension on a grant deadline. During the recent Board of Supervisors meeting, updates revealed that the county is working closely with the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) to adjust timelines, aiming to alleviate financial pressures on contractors and ensure competitive bidding.

The current plan involves issuing an invitation for bids for the courthouse project, originally set to be completed by July 1, 2026. However, after discussions with architectural consultants, officials expressed concerns that the tight timeline could inflate bid costs due to potential liquidated damages for late completion. To mitigate this, they are seeking a short extension to allow for a more manageable bidding process.

"We're about a week past our anticipated timeline for bids going out, but we believe we can get back on track," said a county representative. The goal is to have the bid documents ready for review by DHR soon, which has shown openness to extending the grant deadline, provided that most of the project is completed on time.

In addition to the courthouse update, the board discussed funding challenges for a new fire training building. The estimated costs for a five-container system have risen significantly, leading to a projected shortfall of over $600,000. Officials are awaiting final quotes from contractors to determine the exact funding needed.

The board remains optimistic about both projects, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and communication with contractors to avoid unnecessary costs. As the county moves forward, the focus will be on securing the necessary funding and ensuring that both the courthouse renovation and fire training facility meet community needs without exceeding budget constraints.