Houston County approves automatic door openers for Highway Building to improve accessibility

The Houston County Board approved a quote to install two automatic door operators, actuators, wireless transmitters and receivers on the Highway Building's north (public) entrance to improve accessibility and align with updated Minnesota requirements for public-serving buildings.

County staff said the building complied with accessibility requirements when it was built but noted that Minnesota regulations changed in 2022 and newer public buildings are required to provide powered door openers. The quoted cost for the door operators is $8,625; county staff estimated electrical wiring would add $1,500 to $2,000, making the total roughly a little over $10,000. The installation will use a push-button activation mounted on a wall; manual operation will remain available.

A county staffer explained the practical and liability considerations: while the current building, built before the 2022 rule change, is likely compliant as constructed, modifications to the building or an accommodation request could require powered doors later. "It'll be a push button activated," the staffer said when describing how users will operate the system.

Funding and vote: Board members discussed budget availability and noted salary savings and other budget variances that should allow the county to absorb the cost without a formal reallocation; staff said fund balances and vacancy savings make the project manageable within the current year. A commissioner moved to approve the quote; the motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: County staff will proceed with the vendor installation and arrange electrical wiring; the doors will remain usable manually and will have push-button activation for users needing assistance.