County says courthouse renovations nearly complete; new access cards and Burke Annex planning underway

Wichita County staff told commissioners Tuesday that renovations to the courthouse and annex are nearing completion, that the county will reissue ID cards and implement electronic access control for suite entries, and that plans for the Burke annex are advancing with architect review.

Tommy (county project staff) said the courthouse office wing is open and crews are finishing restroom tile work and backsplash installations. "For all practical purposes, we're done," Tommy said, while noting remaining electrical work in the kitchen and door‑system installation on the west entrance. He said the county began installing the electronic door and credentialing system and expected the west door to be out of service until roughly mid‑next week while the new system is activated.

Officials said appointed and elected officials who need mechanical keys will retain them; most county staff and employees will use new ID cards to access suites and enter the building. "Everyone in the county will have to be recredentialed with new ID cards, and that will be your key access to your suite," Tommy said. He said mechanical keys will be retained only for appointed or elected officials to ensure access control.

On the Burke Annex (Burke Burnett project), staff said architects are refining drawings, the county has met with affected office holders and a motion to authorize next steps will appear on a future court agenda. "We'll be getting a motion up on the court's agenda coming up soon for approval of everything that needs to happen for that project," the presiding officer said.

The court received the report and adjourned; no votes or formal authorizations for construction spending were taken at the session recorded in the transcript.