Courthouse construction moves toward finish; contingency and interest proceeds remain

Nathan, a county project lead, told commissioners the courthouse reconstruction is nearing completion with interior finishes, lighting and tile work progressing and masonry crews finishing exterior stonework. He said Delta 3 has been completing underground utilities on Meridian Street and the parking lot between Howard’s and the Justice Center and that furniture planning is underway with department heads.

Why it matters: Nathan said the owner’s contingency balance stands just above $260,000, minus expected costs for outstanding items such as a sidewalk and other pending change orders. He noted the county expects HVAC costs to be reimbursed so those should not have a net effect on contingency. Additionally, the project has generated excess interest proceeds of roughly $60,000 that cannot be applied to the courthouse construction but can be used on other county‑owned facilities within three years of the bond closing.

Details: Nathan reported that Ton and Blank’s construction contingency still holds more than $400,000 and, combined with the owner’s contingency and interest proceeds, the county currently has “more than $600,000 at this point” available to cover punch‑list corrections and items not covered by warranty. He advised holding a portion of contingency through the one‑year punch‑list period for unexpected items.

Council comments: Commissioners and staff noted visible improvement to the courthouse exterior. Nathan said he expects to receive a final change order soon for an emergency time‑and‑materials item and that, generally, remaining change orders are smaller and less frequent as the project wraps up.

Next steps: department heads will finalize furniture plans and the project team will continue punch‑list completion and warranty follow‑up. Nathan said requests for small additional millwork or sidewalk repairs are likely before final closeout.