Morrow County authorizes design work for courthouse annex with $35 million target

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 18 to authorize county staff and the hired design team to proceed with schematic design for a new Circuit Courthouse annex in Boardman, targeting a total project cost of $35,000,000.

Design consultants presented a review of a recently received independent cost estimate that had placed the project near $50 million. Matt, who submitted the cover memo for the project, said staff and the design team re‑scoped the program and targeted a more fiscally feasible number: “we do have a project that is down in the 30 to $35,000,000 mark,” he said. Architect Kelly Stewart explained the team’s approach, noting the estimate included both hard construction costs and an industry‑standard 30% added to cover soft costs. “We now have $35,000,000 to try to work against as the goal for the total project budget,” Stewart said, describing square‑footage reductions and the removal of a mechanical penthouse as examples of value engineering to meet that target.

Commissioners discussed options to remove the Justice Court portion of the program, which consultants estimated could reduce county cost by roughly $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on scope. Consultants also explained the state Judicial Department (OJD) match as a share of the county’s total project: one presenter estimated OJD’s share at about 38% of the total at the refined scope.

After discussion the board approved a motion authorizing staff and the design team to proceed with revised schematic space design aimed at a targeted total project cost of $35,000,000. The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps for the project are continued schematic design and refinement of cost numbers with contractor input and a follow‑up presentation to the Board. The board also asked staff to prepare materials and any required budget implications for future meetings.