Daviess County officials hear courthouse renovation progress; substantial completion set for April 17

Daviess County commissioners received a construction progress update on the courthouse renovation, which project staff said is in finishing phases across all three floors and remains on track for a substantial completion date of April 17.

Project staff member Derek said the third floor has begun flooring prep and light-fixture installation, the second floor is wrapping paint ahead of flooring, and first-floor mechanical, electrical and plumbing work continues. "As of right now, the substantial completion date remains April 17th," Derek told the board.

The county was told the construction contingency currently stands at $197,000 and that soft costs have not changed. Commissioners were also briefed on a large rooftop HVAC unit that staff will present options to blend into the building’s appearance; a rendering is expected to be provided to the board for a decision.

Commissioners were invited to visit the site for an on-site inspection, which staff noted does not trigger open meetings advertising requirements. County staff said a mid‑summer move-in is anticipated if downstream tasks — furniture, IT/data hookups and any remaining punch-list work — proceed without delay.

The update included a caution about hidden conditions in a 100‑year‑old building: commissioners and staff said earlier stages of the project required peeling back old construction layers and that smaller punch-list items will be expected as the project reaches completion. No formal action was taken by the board on the update.