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Commission approves Justice Center change orders amid public objections over furniture costs
Summary
Commission approved change orders for Justice Center construction, including additional courtroom furniture and HVAC controls; residents criticized a $45,178.65 charge for attorney/sheriff tables and installation costs.
County staff and the county attorney summarized three change-order items related to the Justice Center: an extension of West Street improvements (PCL-31), additional HVAC controls (PCO-49) and adding missing courtroom chairs and furniture (PCO-53). The courthouse FF&E and remaining items would be paid from a mix of UJS reimbursement and the contractor’s contingency, staff said.
Several members of the public objected to line-item costs for courtroom furniture. Linda Montgomery cited the $45,178.65 total for attorney and sheriff tables, freight and installation and questioned whether the county could procure lower-cost alternatives. "I think it's excessive," Montgomery said. Other residents echoed concerns about high unit prices and installation costs.
County staff and commissioners noted some items will be reimbursed by the Unified Judicial System (UJS) and that other FF&E would come from the contractor's contingency. After limited discussion the commission moved to approve the change orders; the motion passed with recorded dissenting votes from at least two commissioners.
Next steps: procurement and installation will proceed under the approved change orders; commissioners indicated an interest in reviewing procurement sourcing and reimbursement details where relevant.
