Travis Cornell of Facilities Management told commissioners he will solicit bids for a fence around the county maintenance shop to secure vehicles and equipment. "We have a lot of traffic walking through there. They're dropping needles or trash," Cornell said, explaining the request for a six-foot fence with top wire and a 30-foot gate for controlled access.

At the same meeting commissioners also approved Facilities Management soliciting bids to create two offices in the Judicial Building’s CSO area. Staff said the scope will include metal-stud walls to the roof, one added sprinkler head and electrical modifications; staff expects in-house oversight of the bidding and inspections to trim costs.

Separately, Public Works reported a crane rental dispute for a pipe project. Staff presented a Belcher Cartage Service, Inc. invoice originally for about $7,000 (eight hours) that, with overtime, grew to $16,920. "I'm just chalking this up to a lesson learned," said a public-works speaker; the commission voted to pay the $16,920 invoice.

Why it matters: The fence bid aims to reduce theft and vandalism at county facilities; the remodel will add courtroom-related office space needed after staffing allocations. The crane payment resolved an outstanding vendor invoice and closed out a project billing dispute.

Votes and next steps: Commissioners voted 4–0 to allow facilities to solicit bids for the fence and for the remodel; the commission also approved payment of $16,920 to Belcher Cartage Service, Inc. for crane rental. Facilities will return with bid materials and aerial maps as requested by commissioners before formal contract awards.