Finney County commissioners on Jan. 13 authorized the county administrator to sign the contract for a two-phase remodel of the treasurer’s office and set a total construction budget not to exceed $450,000 to cover construction, architectural fees and minor change orders.

Kara (counselor/contract reviewer) told commissioners the architectural agreement was revised to clarify that the work will be completed in two phases so the office can remain open during construction, and that the dispute-resolution provision was changed from arbitration to litigation in Finney County District Court. Contractor Matt Lee of Lee Construction attended the meeting and signed the paper agreement presented to the board.

Bids for the project had been received at approximately $412,000 plus architectural fees; the board noted $519,000 was available in capital reserve funds earmarked for the project and voted to authorize the administrator to execute the contract. The motion carried on a voice vote.