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Resident questions $330,000 courthouse change order; county staff say it is covered by $37 million contract
Summary
A resident raised concerns about a $330,000 change order on the county courthouse project and whether it increases the $37 million contract cap; county staff responded that the change order is part of the approved $37 million figure and not an addition.
Resident Henry Vines asked the Alamance County Board of Commissioners during public comment whether a recent $330,000 change order on the courthouse project would increase the $37 million contract ceiling and how the project budget is being allocated between a new courthouse and a park.
"If this is gonna increase the design by 330,000, how much is this gonna increase the total project?" Vines asked, noting taxpayers were already told the project would raise property taxes by about one cent to cover $37 million.
A county official responded that the contract revision is "not to exceed $37,000,000" and that any change over $100,000 must be approved by the commissioners. Steve Baker, speaking for staff, said the county is still in the design phase and that the $37 million figure was an estimate provided by the architects. "We are fairly certain we can bring this building back under $37,000,000," Baker said, adding that detailed line‑item budgets and furnishings would be provided as design work advances.
Why it matters: the public asked for transparency on budget line items and the potential for cost escalation. Commissioners and staff agreed to provide more detailed itemization as architects refine the project design.
Supporting details: Vines asked whether parking had been secured and how that cost would affect the total project. Commissioners said the board must approve any change orders over $100,000. Another commissioner noted that furnishings were not included in the current design estimate and could add to final costs.
Ending: County staff said more detailed budget information would be provided as the design advances and that the presented change order did not add to the previously approved $37 million contract ceiling.
