Sprinkler change order stalls annex remodel; commission schedules executive session and special Zoom meeting

Commissioners were briefed that the annex remodel requires a fire-suppression system that was not in the original scope, producing a change order of approximately $141,832 and increasing the project total to about $223,001.65, roughly $70,000 over the previously estimated budget. Officials said the sprinkler requirement was identified late in the permitting or review process and that the city or fire marshal had not flagged the need earlier in a way that county staff had expected.

Speakers expressed frustration that the requirement came late in the schedule; staff warned the work pause delays multiple dependent projects, including courthouse work tied to court schedules. County counsel said some contract and legal issues should be discussed in executive session. The commission entered executive session under the statute cited in the transcript and later scheduled a 3 p.m. Zoom-only meeting for the next day to consider the change order, with an option for limited in-person access to view/join the Zoom meeting. No final decision on the change order was made at the regular meeting; staff will return with details at the scheduled special meeting.