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$10.08M courthouse remodel estimate draws board questions as bid schedule is set
Summary
Architects and consultants delivered a final plan set and a $10,078,282 construction estimate for a two‑phase courthouse remodel; supervisors voiced concern that the figure had ballooned from an earlier $6 million target and asked staff to prepare contingency or phased alternatives before awarding bids.
Consultants presented final construction drawings and a milestone schedule for the courthouse remodel; the team proposed releasing bids with alternates and anticipated a construction start in early March if the board approves the guaranteed maximum price.
"Their current estimate for the completed project for both phases 1 and 2 is just a little over $10,000,000 there — $10,078,282," Scott LaRue said while outlining the bid schedule and a list of alternates (law center parking and sidewalks; increased roof thickness; VAV controller upgrades).
LaRue and staff recommended listing several items as alternates and treating certain stand‑alone items (for example, driver's‑license counters) as separate projects to limit disruption and preserve flexibility should the bid totals approach the board's spending limit. Consultants proposed starting construction in March and completing the addition and initial envelope work by October, with interior renovations following.
Several supervisors reacted strongly to the estimate. One supervisor recalled an earlier $6 million target and asked how the cost grew to about $10 million, urging planners to develop a 'Plan B' that focuses on high‑priority elements (for example, a new elevator and an entry) to reduce near‑term spending and disruption.
Next steps
Consultants will finalize bid documents; bids are due on the engineer's published bid day with a subsequent board action to accept a guaranteed maximum price. The board discussed alternatives and directed staff to prepare options if total bids exceed the board's comfort level.
