Committee directs staff to get cost estimates for admin building remodel; plans to reconfigure offices

The public-works committee approved a plan to obtain cost estimates to remodel parts of the county administration building to provide more private office and storage space for elected officials and department heads.

The work matters because multiple elected offices currently lack private office space or adequate storage for records and plaques; members described a phased approach so the county can address the most urgent office needs while spreading costs over multiple budget cycles.

Chairman Alan described a floor plan in the packet and said Rosalie has been officially appointed head of a department and will need additional office and storage space. He outlined a proposed reconfiguration that would move Rosalie into a larger “green” area, move Cindy to a “blue” area near front counter service, and reserve space for future expansion. Alan noted the drawings identified yellow lines that represent non-load-bearing walls that could be removed at relatively low cost.

Committee discussion focused on sequencing, cost estimates and use of county crews versus contracting the work. Cliff, public-works staff, confirmed building footprints and structural constraints and said some walls are non-load-bearing so removing them would be feasible; he also cautioned that finishes such as wallpaper and flooring could increase costs if entire adjoining areas must be matched.

Committee members emphasized doing the simplest work first. A member moved that staff provide cost estimates for both the blue and green remodels and, separately, for the blue remodel alone so the commission can consider funding in the next budget cycle. The motion passed by voice vote.

Members discussed estimated cost ranges: one committee member said a limited remodel removing non-load-bearing walls and making cosmetic changes should be modest and suggested a high-end estimate of $20,000, but staff cautioned that price depends on needed flooring, wallpaper removal and any electrical adjustments. Members also discussed whether Public Works should perform the work in-house or contract it out; concerns about current staffing levels and the difficulty of hiring skilled trades were raised.

Next steps: Cliff and staff will seek bids or estimates for the blue remodel and for a combined blue-plus-green remodel, produce cost estimates for the committee, and return with recommended sequencing and whether to contract out the work or use county crews.