Commissioners approve courthouse change order, review project finances and county claims

County project staff presented a progress update on the courthouse renovation, reported contingency balances and placed one change order before commissioners for approval.

Nathan (project staff) reported the owner’s contingency balance at $169,108.64. He said a previously approved carpet underlayment change order came in approximately $27,000, about $2,700 less than expected. Staff presented change order 68, requesting $15,518.88 for additional gutter repairs plus $1,446.09 in design fees; commissioners voted to approve the change order so the contractor could complete the roof gutter work.

Nathan also summarized work progress: the main electrical distribution panel was replaced without affecting neighboring buildings, tile and stain work progressed, most service window counters were installed, and scaffolding over the main stairwell had been removed after finishing painting and electrical work. He said a departmental mailbox system was installed in the auditor’s office.

On routine business, commissioners approved minutes from the regular sessions of Feb. 18 and March 3 by voice vote and approved claims and payroll number 6. During review of claims, a commissioner asked about a $48,000 payment to Pulaski Memorial Hospital; staff explained the payment was part of the county’s cumulative building fund arrangement to support the hospital and that the hospital returns periodically with proposals for the funds’ use. Commissioners also approved conference travel requests for two employees (Maggie from the Health Department and Marsha, county recorder).

Separately, commissioners discussed Mammoth-related items and directed staff to pursue enforcement and documentation (see separate article).