Daviess County officials say courthouse renovation near completion; commissioners approve AV/IT invoice

Daviess County commissioners heard an update March 11 on the ongoing courthouse renovation and approved an associated AV/IT invoice.

Project manager Derek told the board the renovation is “about 87% complete,” with the roof finished, an equipment pad being installed for an emergency generator, and interior finishes largely done on the third floor. “Paint, carpet is about 90% complete,” Derek said. He added that three of five electrical panels have been installed and that communications and fire alarm wiring is in place.

Why it matters: county staff said the remaining work includes exterior fixtures, cameras and final systems testing; the commission must track remaining contingency funds and close-out costs as the project moves toward occupancy.

Derek also reviewed contingency funds. In his report he cited three figures when describing soft-cost contingency status: an original amount of $184,211, a current balance of $68,895, and a reference to $158,000 “where we’re at.” The transcript shows those three figures were stated in the same explanation; the meeting record does not reconcile them. The board asked for clarification during the meeting; staff did not provide a single reconciled figure on the record.

Commissioners voted to approve a $16,411 monitored invoice for AV/IT work (motion by Commissioner Keith, second by Commissioner Cook). During discussion, staff said Trace 3 charges of $4,501.06 were additional and moved to amend the approval to include that amount; the amended motion passed unanimously, 3-0. The board also recorded that Melcade will cover the cost of a severed fiber line that occurred during demolition, per the contractor’s acknowledgement.

County staff said once the final electrical panel arrives and is installed the remaining commissioning and testing of power, communications, security, and fire systems will take roughly three to four weeks before move-in planning continues. Staff said Hudson’s Furniture is coordinating moving the county’s furniture and that move-in planning with departments is underway.

The commissioners did not adopt new budget allocations at the meeting; they were told the project remains “in really good shape” but asked staff to keep the commission informed as the remaining contingency and final invoices are reconciled.

Ending: The project update drew no further questions after the invoice approval; staff will return with any necessary adjustments as the project reaches final commissioning.