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Berkeley County approves $89.96 million design‑build contract for new administration and judicial complex
Summary
County council approved a design‑build contract for a new administration and judicial building, after debate over who should have final design input and a later vote to remove an amendment giving the clerk of court a formal role in the final decision.
Berkeley County Council on April 2025 approved a design‑build contract with the previously selected RFP winner (identified in committee as "Sammet") for a new Berkeley County administration and judicial complex at a contract price of $89,960,158.
The council approved the contract after several amendments and debate over who would have final approval of the building’s design. County staff said the contract covers two phases: a Phase 1 design and programming portion described as “just under $6,000,000” and an ultimate construction phase described as roughly $84,000,000, for a combined advertised contract of $89,960,158. County staff told council that $95,000,000 had been allocated in the county budget for the project and that a $10,000,000 state earmark from the Berkeley delegation has been collected and is available for the project.
Miss Skinner, a county staff presenter, described Phase 1 as the programming and stakeholder‑meeting stage, saying, “The first phase of the contract is roughly just under $6,000,000 and that’s for the design and programming for the courthouse. So the programming is meeting with the stakeholders, the judges, clerk of court, and coming up with a plan on what is needed.” She also summarized the contract sums: “The ultimate construction phase of the project is $84,000,000… And that combined is $89,960,158.”
Council members pressed staff for details on scope and process. Several members emphasized that stakeholders including judges, prosecutors and the clerk of court would be consulted in the design process. Councilman Steve Davis noted the county had visited other courthouses and consulted multiple stakeholders before arriving at the current plan.
During debate the council adopted an amendment clarifying that the final design decision is a county council decision. A separate proposed amendment to add a formal, standalone role for the elected clerk of court in the final design decision was initially added earlier in the meeting but was later removed by a separate council vote before final approval of the contract.
Council members also asked about size and cost estimates. Staff said there is a conceptual square‑foot estimate (one presenter said “I believe it’s a 90,000” square‑foot conceptual estimate) but that the firm square‑footage and detailed design would be firmed up during Phase 1 (the 60 percent design milestone). Council discussion repeatedly emphasized that Phase 1 programming was intended to set courtroom counts and spatial needs before construction drawings were finalized.
Council approved the contract as amended. The county’s presentation said the project will be funded from county administration and judicial center project funds, including the state earmark and other council‑approved funds.
The council did not identify specific construction start or completion dates during the discussion; staff said the design‑build method was selected in part to reduce change‑order risk and speed delivery so court cases can be moved through a larger facility.
