Walla Walla County commissioners voted 3–0 on Monday to authorize several facilities actions: replacement of a critical mini-split air unit in the county jail radio room, expenditure of historic-grant contingency funds for additional courthouse painting, and delegation of contracting authority for low-dollar facilities projects up to $20,000.

Facilities manager Rob told commissioners the radio-room mini-split was beyond repair and that one of two units was nonfunctional; staff requested authorization to expend Law & Justice funds to replace the equipment to protect critical infrastructure. The board approved the purchase and contract authority for that repair on a unanimous vote.

On courthouse preservation work, county staff sought approval to use contingency funds from an existing historic grant to complete additional painting, window and door restoration and limited masonry-related preservation work. Rob said final Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) sign-off remained outstanding but recommended proceeding with the contingency expenditure if DAHP clearance arrives. Commissioners approved the request and authorized staff to sign the related grant documents.

Commissioners also considered a request to delegate to the facilities manager the authority to execute contracts with outside vendors for maintenance and repair work up to a specified dollar threshold. After discussion, the board amended the original proposal and approved delegated contracting authority up to $20,000 so the manager can execute lower-dollar agreements without bringing each contract back to the board; the board will continue to review signed contracts as a matter of record.

Commissioners and facilities staff noted the county’s recent work at the courthouse — including historic door restoration and masonry cleanup — and flagged other upcoming projects such as ADA improvements at the fairgrounds. Commissioners asked staff to ensure procurement rules and the county’s bid thresholds remain respected; county counsel and the auditor’s office will maintain oversight.