Wayne County approves $172,770 courthouse window and door restoration, OKs 50% upfront option to secure 10% discount

The Wayne County Commission voted to approve a $172,770 contract to restore the courthouse’s doors and windows and separately approved a residential-style payment option that would provide a 10% discount if the county pays 50% of the contract up front.

Commissioners said the courthouse has experienced leaks and rot that require work that can only be fully assessed once windows are removed and examined. The contract call covers work on the bottom floor and includes 28 double-hung windows (heritage-level), 11 double-hung sash rebuilds using koa wood, 30 transoms at standard level restoration, 12 standard-level door restorations and one heritage-level door restoration. The vendor proposed a 50-year warranty on the heritage work.

The commission heard that contractors have repeatedly declined to bid on the project and that the chosen firm was the only contractor willing to take the job as advertised. County staff said the contractor is currently working in Brunswick and would stage crews for Wayne County work when available. Commissioners discussed the timing impact of that schedule and the possibility of paying travel expenses to accelerate start, but the board chose to wait for the contractor to finish existing work rather than incur travel costs.

Commissioners asked that county facilities staff — identified in the meeting as Kirk — serve as the county’s on-site representative to inspect work and report problems such as hidden rot or structural issues discovered when windows are opened. Commissioners said that if deeper problems are found (for example, rot extending to framing or foundation), Kirk will notify the board and staff to determine next steps.

The board discussed a payment structure the contractor calls a “residential-style” option: the county would pay 50% up front, the contractor would apply a 10% discount to the total, and the county would obtain contract language to secure the deposit. The clerk said the 10% discount on $172,770 would save roughly $17,000.

Commissioners also discussed adding ballistic/projectile protection to windows while they are out for restoration; staff said they have previously discussed such protective coating and that local contractors are being contacted for pricing. The board did not adopt additional security work at the meeting but directed staff to obtain cost estimates before work begins.

Outcome: the commission approved the $172,770 contract and separately approved the residential payment option (50% up front to secure 10% discount).