The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court approved an estimate of probable costs for prioritized courthouse repairs totaling $1,238,227 and authorized the county judge to proceed to contract with Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction (design‑build) for the work.

The scope presented by the county architect and Phoenix 1 focuses on the most critical and time‑sensitive items: improved drainage and containment of downspouts around the courthouse, restoration of basement windows in both the historic courthouse and the wing additions, masonry repair limited to stone banding at first‑floor grade, replacement of the cornice cap where rust and holes had formed, and reinforcement and flashing at the flagpole dome. The architect emphasized that work is intentionally limited to this priority list to fit the designated funding amount.

Commission staff explained the work aligns with the county’s earlier decision to designate $1.2 million from Tax Note Series 2023 funds for courthouse priorities. The estimate includes an 8% contingency for unforeseen conditions and was presented as Option 1, trimmed to match the tax‑note funding available to the county. The architect and county staff discussed historic‑preservation constraints: the Texas Historical Commission (THC) typically prefers restoration in place of wholesale replacement, so window work is scoped as repair and restoration rather than replacing single‑pane sashes with insulated glass. The architect noted THC approval is required for changes beyond restoration; the court was told THC approvals limit the ability to install low‑e or insulated glass unless a full replacement is necessary or previously replaced windows are being modernized.

The court approved the project estimate and authorization to proceed; the judge will receive the contract from the design‑build firm for review. Commissioners and staff noted the contract will include change‑order and contingency processes; any expansion of scope beyond the approved amount must return to the court for approval.

Ending — The judge and Phoenix 1 will proceed toward a formal contract. Commissioners were assured the work will be designed, permitted and bid or procured under the contract terms and that further changes will come to the court for approval.