Commissioners plan ribbon-cutting, time capsule for new county building; inspectors report strong energy performance

Commissioners used part of their Aug. 7 meeting to discuss final steps for the new county administrative building, including potential ribbon-cutting dates, a time capsule and early furniture moves.

Senior county staff reported that elevators passed state inspection and that a building air-tightness test measured 0.24 Pascals — well below the 0.40 standard cited in the meeting — a result staff described as nearly meeting LEED platinum thresholds for air tightness. Harvey Construction and the county’s construction team were credited for the performance and energy-efficiency choices built into the project.

Ribbon-cutting planning: the board discussed holding a morning ribbon-cutting and then proceeding with the regular afternoon meeting. Possible dates floated included Oct. 1 and Oct. 2; commissioners noted Oct. 2 coincides with Yom Kippur and suggested asking stakeholders to avoid scheduling conflicts. The board discussed inviting students to submit items for a time capsule and running a short public outreach effort "calling all kids" for suggestions and participation.

Facility readiness: staff said parts of the building were already accepting early furniture deliveries under a temporary occupancy permit, and that additional inspections — including dispatch-area electrical and floor penetrations — remain in process before final occupancy sign-offs. Staff also reported lightning-protection recertification and plans to certify other county buildings.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to pursue a tentative ribbon-cutting date, draft outreach for time-capsule contributions, and continue to complete remaining inspections and furniture moves before a formal public ceremony.