Commissioners approve plan to request a structural evaluation of the courthouse and discuss capital-planning grants

Daniels County commissioners discussed the condition of the 1950s–1970s courthouse building and directed staff to solicit a short task order for a structural evaluation. County staff said the building shows localized scouring, abutment lean on a nearby bridge, and cracking around foundation and basement areas; the structural consultant who has worked in the region indicated a site visit and short report could cost in the range of $3,000–$5,000 depending on travel and the scope of the inspection.

Staff explained that a structural evaluation (sometimes described as a focused structural assessment) would document the building's timber members, foundations, settlement and cracking, and would then produce a short recommendation list and order‑of‑magnitude repair costs. Commissioners said having a formal report would support grant applications, including historic‑preservation funding through the state historical society and MSIP/MSAP planning grants. Staff recommended reserving a larger preliminary architectural report (PAR) only if the county decided to pursue a full building rehabilitation/stage, noting a PAR could run $30K–$50K.

Commissioners directed staff to prepare a one‑page task order to bring the structural engineer to Scobey for a site visit and report; staff said the consultant could coordinate with local contractors and seek cost‑effective repair options if a repair program is developed. No contract was executed at the meeting; commissioners said they wanted the task order on the next agenda to approve the engineering inspection and to consider grant strategies once the report is completed.