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Kootenai County narrows desk options for new justice building; staff directed to finalize pricing
Summary
Contract Design presented three furniture packages for the countyjustice building. Commissioners discussed durability, warranties and freight; staff were directed to continue pricing and return with a full package. A public commenter asked the county to seek U.S.-made alternatives.
Kootenai County commissioners discussed furnishings for the countyjustice building at a meeting that included a presentation from Contract Design on three desk and office-furnishing packages.
Contract Design representative Tory Nelson told commissioners the team had prepared three packages from two manufacturers: an HBC production line (particle board with laminate) and two Global options that use MDF substrate with different top surfaces, including thermally fused laminate and a higher-pressure laminate. Nelson said the packet contains detailed comparisons and that staff need direction so the vendor can finish pricing for judgechambers, cabinetry and related components.
The discussion focused on durability, repairability, warranty terms and freight. Presenters described the Global MDF options as stronger at holding fasteners and more resistant to wear; the higher-pressure laminate option carries a higher price. Commissioners asked whether the county's facilities staff could perform repairs; presenters said many surface damages (for example, chips) are not field-repairable and that edge banding and substrate density affect long-term performance.
County staff and Contract Design gave commissioners three rough price tiers during the discussion: about $1,000 for the lowest tier, $1,200 for a midrange option and about $1,600 for the highest-quality option; presenters also said the packet prices include freight estimates. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and by product type (fabric, mechanical parts, etc.), and representatives said some manufacturers provide multi-year or lifetime-labeled warranties while workarounds and vendor-level service agreements are available through Contract Design.
Commissioners and staff discussed color selection and agreed staff would work with the project's design team and architect to recommend a single, consistent color palette for desks rather than multiple colors across floors. Nelson said she would return with final pricing and a recommended full package once commissioners confirmed the preferred level of finish.
During the public comment period, resident Ron Hartman asked commissioners to prefer American-made products: "It's manufactured in Canada. I'd request you find an equivalent product that's manufactured in America," Hartman said.
Directions and next steps recorded in the meeting transcript indicate staff should proceed with completing pricing and bring a full package, including recommended colors from the design team, back to the board for final approval. No formal vote on furnishings occurred at the meeting.
Costs and warranties discussed in the board packet and on the record will be included in the forthcoming staff recommendation to the board.
