Commissioners review courthouse repairs: front steps grout quote, roof work and a costly HVAC replacement under review

County facilities staff warned commissioners that the courthouse's front steps require repair because grout and underlying base material have failed and granite units are shifting. A vendor estimate from Rose Industrial for resetting the steps was presented at $18,920; staff said another contractor could mobilize before winter.

Commissioners and staff discussed making a broader capital priorities assessment for the courthouse. The board expressed support for hiring an engineering or assessment firm to sequence projects so limited capital funds are spent where risk and functionality are highest.

The meeting also covered roof replacement work scheduled to begin in September and a separate HVAC/cooling-system estimate that commissioners described as unexpectedly high. Participants recalled early estimates near $70,000 but said the most recent overall replacement estimate discussed in the meeting rose to roughly $125,000; speakers attributed the increase to material and crane costs, tariff and shipping difficulties, and limited contractor competition. Commissioners requested additional bids and asked staff to check whether current maintenance contractors were providing sole-source pricing advantages.

Commissioners asked staff to return with a concise budget summary for tower, roof and HVAC projects, and to seek competitive quotes for the HVAC work before making a decision. Staff said roof work is scheduled to proceed and that HVAC vendors gave varied turnaround times; staff will report back with additional bids and a recommended priority list.

Ending: The board asked for a formal capital needs assessment and for additional vendor bids on the HVAC replacement ahead of the next meeting.