Carson City delays courthouse renovation, directs staff to revise scope and relocate Alternative Sentencing

Carson City supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 4 to direct staff to revise the scope and schedule of the city's courthouse renovation project, delay major construction by roughly a year to 18 months and relocate the Department of Alternative Sentencing (DAS) out of the judicial complex.

The revised schedule is intended to buy time for detailed design and contractor input so the city can phase construction with fewer disruptions and avoid temporary leases for the Clerk-Recorder. Darren Schultz, city staff, told the board the new approach "is a better plan than what we outlined in February," and that using existing courtrooms will allow a new justice of the peace to begin work in early 2027 without an immediate building move.

Why it matters: The judicial complex currently houses courts, the Clerk-Recorder and other offices. Staff concluded moving the Clerk-Recorder in 2025 to a leased temporary location was not achievable after negotiations for the Bank of America building could not be completed quickly enough. Keeping the Clerk-Recorder in place until a permanent location is ready will save an estimated $1.5 million in temporary lease and relocation costs, staff said.

Key details and timeline - The city will award preconstruction services to a construction manager at risk (CMAR) and use the architect already under contract to refine phasing and final design before full construction bidding. Schultz said the CMAR will help "dig deep into the phasing" to minimize public impact. - Target construction award is summer 2027, with phased interior work (third-floor improvements starting March 2028, atrium work September 2028, second-floor justice court by December 2028) so court services can remain open during renovations. - Department shifts: DAS will permanently relocate out of the judicial complex into space freed by future moves at the Health and Human Services annex; the District Attorney's office will move into the Clerk-Recorder's current space when that work is complete.

Board discussion and concerns Board members praised the collaborative plan but repeatedly cautioned about inflation and the risk that construction costs will rise during the delay. Mayor Bagwell said the delay should be used to "design smarter" and explore cost reductions. Another supervisor noted that awarding a single, phased construction contract with an engaged CMAR should limit change orders and help control price volatility because the manager will be involved in design and understand the building. Supervisor Geomey also emphasized the advantage of working on a city-owned building where staff have institutional knowledge of existing conditions.

Supervisor Giaomi moved to adopt the revised scope and schedule and to direct staff to relocate DAS as discussed; the motion passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance - Motion: "Direct staff to adjust the project scope and schedule, incorporate the revised design elements of the project as presented, and relocate the Department of Alternative Sentencing as discussed." Mover: Supervisor Giaomi; second: not specified. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Related background: staff told the board a previously considered lease (Bank of America building) could not be negotiated fast enough to allow a 2025 Clerk-Recorder move, prompting the revised plan.

What happens next Staff will return with CMAR procurement documents, refined design options and a recommendation for the Clerk-Recorder's permanent location within several months. Supervisors asked to receive cost estimates and tighter scopes as design work progresses so the board can monitor budget risk.

Sources: Remarks and materials presented at the Sept. 4 Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting. Direct quotes in this story come from Darren Schultz and members of the Board of Supervisors as recorded in the meeting transcript.