Commissioners direct bids to remove and replace courthouse and jail exterior concrete

River City Construction reported progress on the county jail renovation, including painting, ceiling grid, tile and elevator installation. County and contractor representatives flagged two concrete areas outside the courthouse and jail that were not part of the original renovation scope but were recommended for replacement to avoid future damage: the west courtyard (horseshoe) and the concrete at the southeast Sally Port exit.

Commissioners discussed whether those replacements should be added to the existing contract as a change order (using project contingency) or bid out separately. County staff, River City representatives and the sheriff described the problems: longstanding cracking and localized ponding near the southeast doors and concrete deterioration outside the west doors. The sheriff argued the work should not be taken from the renovation contingency because phase 1 contingency funds must be preserved for essential project changes; other commissioners said doing the work while contractors are already on site could be more cost-effective.

After planning discussion about mobilization costs and timing (contractors expected to begin exterior work around March 1), the board voted to solicit competitive bids for removal and replacement of the two concrete areas as specified and to fund the work from the general fund capital outlay line item. Commissioners asked staff to make a site visit mandatory for bidders and to include specifications for subbase and compaction in the solicitation.