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Polk County reviews courthouse restoration change orders and appoints landscaping committee
Summary
Commissioners reviewed change orders tied to courthouse restoration — including a $18,063.86 skylight roofing addition — and agreed to appoint a landscaping committee for the restored courthouse while noting an abstention by Commissioner Cassidy for a conflict of interest.
Polk County commissioners reviewed multiple items tied to courthouse restoration and related grounds work, approving formation of a landscaping committee and receiving change-order details for roofing and other structural repairs.
On the landscaping item, the court discussed appointing a committee to prepare landscaping specifications and an RFP as the courthouse nears completion. The proposed committee would include representatives from the Master Garden Club, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and local landscapers. Commissioner Cassidy filed an affidavit and abstained from any discussion or vote because of a family relationship to local landscaping/maintenance firms; the court asked partner organizations to each appoint a representative and voted to proceed.
On restoration details, the construction manager reported previously concealed conditions discovered during demolition that require corrective work to ensure proper installation of the new roof and to maintain warranty coverage. Four existing skylight openings were identified as permanently cast concrete features and cannot be safely removed. As a result, staff presented Change Order 010 to add roofing and detailing; the first skylight cost breakdown shows $18,063.86 total for that element. The Texas Historical Commission has confirmed that supplemental funding for change orders caused by unknown conditions may be eligible and that the county will submit this change order to the state for review.
Commissioners discussed the structural nature of the work and the impact on warranty and long-term integrity. Staff emphasized the changes are necessary to arrest ongoing leaks documented in courtroom and district core-room photos.
Next steps: the county will submit the change-order request and supporting documentation to the Texas Historical Commission for supplemental-funding consideration and proceed with committee appointments for courthouse landscaping; Commissioner Cassidy’s abstention will be recorded in procurement-related actions.
