County staff gave a monthly update on the government center project, reporting that early site work has begun, the county is negotiating solar-panel arrangements with Dominion, and staff are pursuing cost reductions for the library component.

Brad Rahnhammer provided the update and said early site work packages were authorized at the prior meeting and the county is finishing contract details and pre-construction stormwater coordination with contractors. Rahnhammer said the county intends to negotiate a solar arrangement with Dominion for roof-mounted panels; under the proposed structure Dominion would pay installation and the county would realize roughly $500,000 in savings over the lifespan of the system. “Dominion pays for all the installation… it will save the county a good amount of money,” Rahnhammer said.

The presentation noted the existing skate park had been decommissioned and removed and that a replacement skate park is planned at the Warhill site; staff said the skate community had been engaged during planning and expects an improved facility when complete. Staff also said some overhead utilities on the project site remain to be removed and that a small November groundbreaking is being planned.

No board action was required; staff said construction activity will accelerate and asked supervisors to expect frequent project updates.