Franklin County Board approves resolution to solicit bids for courthouse construction

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution 25-74 ordering construction on the county courthouse and establishing dates for hearings and solicitation of bids. The resolution was introduced during the Nov. 25 regular session and carried after a roll-call vote.

Board member Speaker 5 moved to approve Resolution 25-74, which Speaker 6 seconded. During discussion, board members cited structural concerns raised by the county engineer related to masonry and grout defects, and considered whether the project should proceed in phases or be completed as a single contract. Board members discussed options for replacing damaged brick and funding approaches to address tuckpointing and other masonry repairs.

At roll call, Lukensmeyer voted “Aye,” McVicker voted “Aye,” and Van Ness voted “Aye.” Additional board members responded “Aye” by voice; the motion carried. No formal amendments to the resolution were recorded during the meeting.

The resolution directs staff to set dates for public hearings and to receive bids for the identified courthouse work. Board members said the county will proceed with the bidding process and that staff will provide more detailed engineering estimates and scopes before contracts are executed.

The supervisors also discussed the timing of budget workshops and other calendar items needed to ensure funding and oversight are in place before construction begins. The board did not vote on contractor selection at this meeting; the next procedural steps are the public hearing(s) and the formal bid-opening process required by county procurement rules.