Kendall County commissioners discussed the county’s recently acquired Burdick Center during the June 12 budget workshop and were warned by staff that renovation costs are likely to far exceed a half‑million dollar soft‑cost estimate for architects and construction managers.

County Auditor Corinna (last name not specified) and County Judge (first name not specified) told the court the county must be realistic about renovation costs. “A half million is not going to do anything for Burdick,” Corinna said, noting prior comparable projects and consultant fees that totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars. She recommended budgeting a multi‑year allocation — possibly $2 million or more — so contractors and architects have a clear project budget before design work begins.

Staff described multiple renovation needs: HVAC and mechanical changes, reconfiguration of open chases and ductwork into office suites, additional restrooms, and IT and security upgrades. Corinna said remodeling a relatively new commercial building with existing systems can be more expensive than a new build because unknown site conditions emerge when walls and mechanical systems are opened.

Commissioners and staff also discussed operational uses being proposed for the facility, such as moving the tax office, commissioners’ court sessions or the elections office. Elections Administrator Stacy raised capacity concerns for elections, given new early‑voting rules, and suggested that if elections were to move, the county would need a site able to handle ballot counting and central graphics for an extended early‑voting period.

The court did not approve a specific renovation contract. Staff recommended appointing an interview/selection team to hire an architect and to return with a negotiated scope and fee; staff also recommended setting aside a capital allocation so a hired design firm can proceed. Commissioners asked staff to return with more realistic cost estimates and a phased plan for design and construction. No final funding decision was made at the workshop.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to seek architect proposals, produce more detailed cost estimates and return with a proposed multi‑year funding plan before committing to major renovation work.