Commission hears $150,000 roof quote, electrical and HVAC concerns at Judicial Center

Commissioners discussed a multi-part facilities problem at the Leon Kerlitz Judicial Center on South Second Street, including recurring leaks, overloaded electrical outlets at the security desk, damage to a variable frequency drive (VFD), and aging HVAC equipment.

County staff said the roofing contractor's estimate to fully replace the roof is about $150,000; a separate contractor provided an estimate that replacing the rooftop HVAC unit could be in the neighborhood of $500,000. Staff reported that some electrical failures may have been caused by a lightning event; staff will pursue an insurance claim through the county’s risk pool. The county’s deductible for a covered claim would be $1,000 if a claim is approved.

The county said a VFD and associated computer equipment were expected to be delivered this week and technicians scheduled to restore operations next Monday. Staff also told the commission the state power marshal has not inspected the site, but that the current piggybacked surge protector configuration in the security area created a hazardous wiring setup that should be corrected.

The courts had contracted for mold testing earlier; results showed no remediation was required. Commissioners and the sheriff discussed asking the courts to share in some costs, particularly for lighting upgrades in the large courtroom, and said they would await the court’s budget decisions before finalizing cost-sharing. No formal repair or replacement contract was awarded at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to pursue an insurance claim where appropriate and report back.