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Committee urges long-term capital plan after requests for DA office remodel and courthouse security review
Summary
Committee members asked staff to prepare a prioritized capital improvement plan after the district attorney requested new office and victim-meeting space; staff also reported an upcoming security assessment by State Capitol Police and warned of major future HVAC and chiller investments.
Vernon County’s Facilities staff reported multiple requests to reconfigure or remodel office spaces — including a request from the district attorney for a dedicated victim‑meeting room — and urged the board to create a prioritized capital improvement plan to manage competing needs.
Lede: Buildings and facilities staff told the Jan. 8 committee that the DA’s office lacks adequate private meeting space for victims and that the county should develop a long-term capital plan to prioritize investments, including major heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and chiller system work that could require substantial funds.
Nut graf: Phil (facilities director) said many departments have longstanding maintenance and renovation needs — carpet, windows, paint, electrical — and that doing piecemeal repairs in an occupied historic courthouse creates scheduling and weather risks. Phil and several board members recommended a single, prioritized list and a dedicated planning session so the county can budget and sequence large capital projects.
Security and DA needs: The sheriff’s office hosted a walkthrough by State Capitol Police for a security assessment; staff expect a formal report in coming months. The DA said she lacks confidential space to meet victims and witnesses and advocated reassigning or repurposing existing rooms rather than removing staff break rooms without a comprehensive plan. Committee members suggested Facilities and Finance produce a ranked list of projects and cost estimates for the committee to review.
Why it matters: Committee members noted the courthouse is an older building; several systems (including chillers and boilers) are aging and could require large, multi‑year capital investments. Members said upfront planning will allow the county to seek grants, bond financing or phased procurement rather than repeatedly patching systems.
Next steps: Facilities staff will prepare a priority list and cost estimates for committee review and consult with UW Extension or other consultants about facilitating a capital‑planning retreat for the board. The State Capitol Police security assessment will be shared when available.
