Commissioners approve $392,863 task order for courthouse preservation design and grant application support

Ellis County commissioners on June 10, 2025 approved a task order with Architexis to prepare design documents, specifications and a grant application for repairs to the Ellis County historic courthouse. The approved amount is $392,863 plus reimbursable expenses and specialty services; county staff said a large portion of the work — plans, surveys and application preparation — would be completed before any state grant award and that the firm would continue with bidding and construction administration if the grant is received.

EJ and Larry Ersick of Architexis told the court that the courthouse restoration completed in 2002 has experienced wear and recent hail storms that have damaged windows, roofing, metalwork on the tower and caused a foundation shift in a basement restroom. Architexis prepared a prior application that scored well but was not funded in the earlier cycle; the state program’s funding has increased in recent legislative cycles (speakers referenced program appropriations rising in recent years and legislative action this session), and county staff said submitting plans and specifications now would position Ellis County to move quickly if an award is made.

Larry Ersick said the task order work is largely front-loaded: roughly two‑thirds of the fee would be expended to prepare documents and the grant application; the remainder covers bidding and construction administration contingent on award. The consultant confirmed that the county’s expenditure for design and application work would be eligible to count toward the county’s 50% match if the preservation grant is awarded. EJ noted the county’s recent insurance deductible left storm damage unreimbursed, increasing the need for grant funds to address the windows and exterior work.

Commissioners asked whether work should begin before a grant award; Architexis advised that preparing documents now improves competitiveness and scheduling but that construction would proceed only if the county elects to use local funds or obtains the state match. Commissioner Stinson moved for approval; Commissioner Butler seconded and the motion passed unanimously among present members.

Clarifying details: the task order’s $392,863 fee is a not-to-exceed design/administration amount; staff said some work could be deferred if the county chooses not to pursue construction without a grant. Architexis plans to perform detailed exterior surveys, document roof and tower metalwork, and prepare drawings/specs for a sealed competitive procurement if awarded grant funds.