Commissioners approve use of construction savings for courthouse masonry and exterior work

Walla Walla County commissioners approved an after-the-fact use of construction savings and contingency funds to replace bird-deterrent elements and to pursue additional exterior finishing on the renovated courthouse.

Rob, the county facilities presenter, told the board the work at issue — replacement of bird deterrent elements damaged or missing during renovation — has already been completed and was paid from available construction savings. "This work actually has been completed," he said, and he recommended retroactive approval to reconcile project accounting.

Commissioners asked about remaining savings (the presenter said savings totaled about $38,780) and potential follow-up uses including painting window borders, bollards, lights and grills on the courthouse front. Rob said he has proposed a scope and would return with firm costs if the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) approves use of remaining funds. Commissioners suggested caution around altering historical elements, noting some facade features appear original to the building.

The board approved the request 3-0 and directed staff to return with confirmed cost estimates if DES approves further use of construction savings for painting and finishing work.