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Commissioners approve $336,000 design change order for new courthouse; board clarifies it’s within $37 million cap
Summary
The board approved a $336,000 change order to add audiovisual, security, telecom and plan-approval services to CRA Associates’ courthouse design contract, drawing from the previously approved $37 million project ceiling; vote was 4–1.
Alamance County commissioners voted 4–1 on April 21 to approve a $336,000 change order to CRA Associates’ contract for additional design services on the county’s new courthouse project.
What the change order covers: County staff said the change order adds audiovisual, security, telecom and acoustical consulting (about $304,000) and separate city and NCDOT plan-approval and erosion-control permitting work (about $32,000). County staff told commissioners the change order will be drawn from the previously approved project ceiling and does not increase the county’s authorized $37 million budget ceiling for the courthouse project.
Board concern and discussion: Several commissioners pressed staff for detail about where the money will come from and whether it reduces contingency funds. Staff and the project architect explained that the $37 million approval set a ceiling by square footage and program; the county has not allocated the construction budget line-by-line and portions for design versus construction will be apportioned as the project progresses. One commissioner requested a one-page breakdown of the earlier budget decisions and estimates used when the $37 million figure was adopted.
Vote and outcome: The motion to approve the change order passed 4–1. The board did not change the overall project ceiling. Staff emphasized the approval is an apportionment from the previously authorized funds rather than a new appropriation.
Why it matters: The courthouse is a major capital project for the county; commissioners said they want clearer budgeting information as design work continues and asked staff and the architect to return with updated cost allocations one week later. The change order authorizes professional services that county staff said were needed to move design and permitting forward.
Provenance: Commissioners discussed and removed this item from the consent agenda for separate consideration, held extended Q&A with staff and architects about scope and cost, and then approved the contract change order on the public agenda.
