Council requests additional review after Justice Center spending questions; attorney to report in February

Councilors revisited outstanding questions about Justice Center expenses and whether the project has exceeded its guaranteed maximum price or appropriated budget.

The county attorney reported that DOT contracts and other documentation are being reviewed and that staff is working toward a line-by-line financial assessment but had not finalized conclusions. Councilors asked whether financials had been provided to the auditor; staff said some materials have been shared and that they expect to provide a fuller update at the February meeting.

Several council members referenced a prior meeting where a figure between $7 million and $8 million was discussed as a potential overrun; the attorney said the review will determine whether that number is accurate and how costs were charged against the project. No final determination or motion was made; council directed staff to continue the review and present findings in February.

Next steps: county attorney and staff to complete the line-by-line assessment, confirm what is covered under the GMP and report back at the February meeting.