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Anderson County reallocates $920,952 to historic courthouse contract, authorizes master plan and engineer quotes
Summary
After accepting termination notices from outside vendors, the court moved unobligated ARPA funds into an existing DRG contract for courthouse repairs and voted to authorize the county judge to obtain quotes to update the courthouse master plan and for a structural engineer assessment to pursue grants.
The Anderson County Commissioners Court accepted termination letters from outside contractors and agreed to reallocate remaining unobligated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the county’s historic courthouse contract with DRG.
The judge told the court that several private partnerships and contracts (including EJECS/Etechs and J.F. Fontaine & Associates) had terminated or expired and that roughly $920,952.32 remained available for reallocation to an existing contract. "If we don't use it, it's going back to the federal government," the judge said, urging the court to direct the funds toward work already under contract. County staff advised that ARPA money could only be moved to contracts that were in place at 12/31/2024 and listed four DRG line items eligible for ARPA: courthouse roof replacement, third-floor courtroom moisture repairs, stained-glass rotunda repair/cleaning, and basement wall moisture remediation.
Commissioners examined photos and a condition summary showing moisture infiltration, failing French drains and mortar deterioration around several basement entrances; staff recommended updating the master plan required by the Texas Historical Commission before applying for certain grants. The judge reported previous roof work could be used as cash match: "We spent over $800,000 on the roof ... that can be part of our cash match." Staff and commissioners debated whether to prioritize stained-glass restoration (which could leverage emergency grant money) or structural and drainage work that stabilizes the building.
By motion (Commissioner Hill), the court voted to reallocate the unobligated ARPA balance to the DRG historic courthouse contract and to authorize the county judge to work with DRG and a consultant architect to obtain a quote to update the master plan and solicit a structural engineer assessment. The court directed staff to return with formal quotes, a draft contract or scope of work, and a timeline that aligns with grant application deadlines.
What’s next: Staff will obtain firm quotes for updating the master plan and for a structural engineer assessment, return expenditures and contract language to the court for approval, and pursue grant opportunities once the master plan is approved by the Texas Historical Commission.
Votes at a glance: Motion to reallocate ARPA funds ($920,952.32) to DRG and to authorize the judge to solicit quotes — motion by Commissioner Hill; second by Commissioner Mills; voice vote, all ayes.
