County staff say partial renovation of 401 building would cost about $6.5 million; officials weigh relocation options

County engineering staff told the Public Works Committee on Aug. 20 that a consultantCentricahas proposed roughly $6.5 million for a partial energy-efficiency renovation of the countybuilding at 401, but committee members were urged to compare that price and the buildinglong-term needs before committing. The engineering presenter said, "Long story short, looking at the price tag from Centrica, it's $6,500,000." That figure covers replacement of exterior doors and windows, a new HVAC system and electrical upgrades associated with a modern mechanical system. The Centrica study, paid for with grant funds, produced detailed cost estimates and a menu of options, the presenter said, and staff plan to return to the committee in September with a fuller assessment that includes asbestos-removal estimates and older accessibility-related needs such as the elevator and ADA work. "I plan on coming back to committee in September to provide a better understanding of the complete proceed with the renovation of this project," the presenter said. Why it matters: the 401 building is more than a century old, uses an aging steam heating system and has recurring pipe and heating problems that staff described as repeated "band-aid" repairs. Committee members pressed staff to provide the total cost for comprehensive work so supervisors can compare renovation versus replacement. Debate and options discussed: staff told the committee the Centrica scope is a partial renovation focused on energy improvements and does not address longstanding accessibility or structural issues. Staff suggested several options: 1) proceed with the Centrica scope as a phased project; 2) purchase an adjacent privately owned parcel to build a new consolidated county facility in Hudson; or 3) consider a county-owned site outside the city (the commerce park parcel) that was acquired earlier and could house county offices. Committee members noted that moving county offices out of the city could require a referendum for functions such as the clerk of the board and board of supervisors. Staff emphasized there is no commitment to Centrica to implement the full $6.5 million package and that the work could be phased once supervisors see the comprehensive cost estimate. Next steps: staff will gather the asbestos and other remediation cost estimates, prepare updated budget numbers and return to the committee in September with a recommendation and comparative options. The committee did not take any formal vote on implementation during the meeting; staff were directed to prepare the fuller analysis for the next committee meeting.