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Montgomery County approves budget amendment and awards construction contract for courthouse renovation
Summary
County staff told commissioners the courthouse renovation will cost about $6.5 million; the board approved a budget amendment and awarded a roughly $5 million construction contract, using existing county reserves plus a $2.5 million state grant to fund the work.
Montgomery County commissioners voted on Nov. 18 to approve a budget amendment and award a construction contract to begin a long-planned renovation of the county courthouse, county staff said.
County staff told the board the total project estimate is about "6 and a half million," with the construction contract near $5 million and roughly $4 million expected to come from county funds after a $2.5 million state grant. The county intends to pay as it goes from funds set aside in recent years rather than issue new long-term debt.
The renovation scope described by staff includes asbestos abatement, a standby generator, enhanced security and segregation for court staff and inmates, a new secondary courtroom in the building's historic assembly space, improved HVAC and accessibility upgrades including a west-side ramp and an interior elevator that will serve the basement through the third floor. Staff said the primary courtroom would remain unchanged but most of the rest of the building would receive a facelift and functional upgrades.
A county official outlined schedule constraints tied to the grant: certain grant-funded work and related design must be completed by July, and staff said the overall project timeline is roughly 16 months from notice to proceed. The contract will be phased to maintain courthouse operations during construction.
The board approved the budget amendment and contract by voice vote; meeting discussion included a note that the successful low bidder has experience on other government projects and may mobilize crews from out of state but will maintain a local presence during the project.
County staff said the renovated third floor will convert underused space into secure, working office areas and leave some shell space for future build-out, and that other county properties (including a former cooperative extension building and an older bank building) factor into the county's broader plan to maximize existing assets and reduce long-term liability.
