MILLS COUNTY, Texas — Mills County Commissioners on Sept. 9 voted to table consideration of a Calvary Construction bid to repair mortar joints and apply a protective seal to portions of the Mills County Courthouse façade, citing concerns about price and the limited scope of work.

Calvary Construction proposed work focused on the courthouse’ south side where staff and contractors documented active leaks into the district courtroom and adjacent offices. County staff described the contractor’s approach as removing deteriorated mortar around window casings and other joints, replacing it with a color-matched flexible product and applying a sealant across the face to reduce future cracking and water penetration. Staff gave the bid amount as roughly $93,092.

Commissioners raised immediate concerns that the bid covered only a single face of a building that has mortar issues around much of its exterior. Commissioners also recalled a 2019 drone survey that identified mortar problems across the building and questioned whether the county should solicit multiple bids or consult contractors affiliated with the Texas Historical Commission. One commissioner noted earlier estimates that full step replacement or larger masonry work had been quoted at significantly higher sums earlier in the procurement process.

Commissioner Williams moved to table the Calvary Construction bid “and go out and look for more,” and Commissioner Boyle seconded the motion; the court voted unanimously to table the item. Commissioners discussed asking the Texas Historical Commission for contractor recommendations and running a request for proposals so the county could compare bids and secure more precise inspections — including drone or elevated inspections — before committing county funds.

County staff said the courthouse has a $125,000 building-improvement line item available, but commissioners also clarified that building-improvement funds are distinct from maintenance funds; the county did not commit to using the available line item for the full façade work. Commissioners instructed staff to seek additional proposals and documentation, including targeted elevated inspections and contractor references, before returning the item for a future decision.

No formal contract award was made; the Calvary Construction proposal remains under consideration pending additional information and competing bids.