County staff outline multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar HVAC and retaining‑wall options for public buildings

(This article documents the county property update presented to the board on Sept. 8.)

County property staff briefed the board on two capital maintenance issues: a deteriorating heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) system in the Services Building (60 East Court Street) and a leaning retaining wall behind the Department of Social Services building.

A mechanical engineer’s preliminary estimates for the Services Building basement HVAC showed a range of options: replacing the air handling units and heating could cost roughly $222,000; adding a modern outdoor chiller could raise the total to about $284,000; additional damper controls and partial duct upgrades added roughly $154,000 more in the engineer’s scenarios. County staff noted there is about $300,000 in state funds available and said they would consult with staff and the county attorney, then return with a phased plan.

At the DSS site, an engineer recommended either soil‑nailing (which would require a permanent easement from a neighboring property because the county does not own the soil behind the wall) or removal and construction of a new poured retaining wall, with the new‑wall estimate around $200,000. Staff said the wall is currently blocked off for safety and that roughly four parking spaces are affected when the lot is full. Commissioners asked staff to talk with the neighbor and return with more pricing and options at the next meeting.

Ending: Staff will pursue neighbor outreach, refine cost estimates and return to the board with specific recommendations and potential funding strategies.