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County attorney urges quick bid process to fix safety hazards in courthouse restroom; architect estimates about $14,000
Summary
County Attorney Kent Harding described tripping and plumbing hazards in a second-floor restroom used by victims and law enforcement, and Building and Grounds requested permission to issue an RFP. The architect's probable cost is approximately $14,009.52; funding was described as coming from prior-year encumbrances.
Miami County staff told commissioners in a February study session they will seek bids to renovate a second-floor restroom used by the county attorney’s office after the county attorney described safety and plumbing problems.
Kent Harding, the county attorney, said the restroom sits adjacent to his conference room and is commonly used when victims and law-enforcement personnel are present. Harding pointed to a two-inch lip on the floor, loose counter and sink hardware, a wavy linoleum surface and a water heater placed in the room. He said the combination creates a fall and flood risk that could endanger visitors and damage files stored below.
“We use that room primarily and specifically for law enforcement as well as victims,” Harding said. “Some of them may not be able to walk very well. Some of them may have balance issues. Some of them may have traumatic brain injuries. This is a potential, potential fall.”
Jim Starling, building and grounds director, asked the commission for approval to issue an RFP. He said the architect’s probable cost estimate for the renovation is $14,009.52 and that an additional architect fee of about $3,500 would apply. Starling said staff expects to go to bid to obtain actual pricing.
Lucas (assistant county administrator) told commissioners the expected funding source is an encumbrance of excess funds from the prior year rather than 2025 operating funds. Commissioners discussed the broader courthouse maintenance needs and the importance of addressing immediate safety issues.
Outcome: Commissioners indicated support to move the item to the afternoon agenda and to proceed with the bidding process; no recorded roll-call vote on the funding was made during the study-session portion of the meeting.
Clarifying details: The restroom in question is on the second floor in an annex off Courtroom A. The architect’s probable cost is $14,009.52; architect fees of about $3,500 were noted separately. Lucas said funding would come from excess funds encumbered from the prior fiscal year rather than from 2025 operating appropriations.
Next steps: Staff will issue an RFP and return bid results and a funding recommendation to the commission at the regular meeting.
