County facilities update: courthouse restoration progressing; annex subcontract bids due late March

County facilities staff updated the Callahan County Commissioners Court on March 10 about progress at the courthouse restoration and the annex project, saying work is advancing but the county’s July 3 target for reoccupation may be difficult to meet.

The county’s facilities representative reported that subcontractor bids for the annex are being returned to the general contractor the week of March 21 (with some bidders allowed an extra week to submit). The contracting team will review subcontractor pricing and is expected to present a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to the county in April.

On the courthouse renovation, work continues floor by floor. Specialty painters were expected on site this week to apply a faux finish in the district courtroom and most third‑floor mechanical, electrical and fire‑protection components — including lighting, sprinkler heads and alarm strobes — are installed. Trim, frosted glass doors and some windows have been reinstalled, creating a noticeably more finished appearance in many areas.

Staff acknowledged scheduling challenges for furniture deliveries and for coordination with the natural gas utility (Atmos Energy) on generator gas service. The county said it will use a temporary rented generator to bridge service gaps at the jail until the annex generator arrives (expected in April). Facilities staff said they anticipate disposing of surplus county furniture and equipment once the courthouse move is complete.

The court took no formal vote on the update; staff said they will continue to press toward the July 3 rededication date but cautioned that April will be a key milestone and could be “questionable” for achieving full completion.