EMA presents ADA building assessment estimates; voting sites flagged as priority

Rochelle Fox of the Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency briefed commissioners on draft cost estimates for ADA compliance assessments across county properties and on an optional ADA‑coordinator monthly contract.

Fox said the list is a draft for board consideration and not a funding request; some costs can be phased. She cited an $18,000 estimate for a courthouse assessment and gave sample amounts for other properties that the consultant provided: Justice Center $28,000; Highway Department $14,000; five voting facility locations at $2,850 each (one trip per location); West Annex (EMA Corner Building) $8,600; airport $8,200; 4‑H grounds $34,000; East Annex (health department and Purdue Extension) $23,000; Public Library $16,000; Historical Museum $9,250; soil and water office $6,800. Fox also presented an optional consulting arrangement for the ADA coordinator of up to 20 extra hours per month, quoted at $2,500 plus expenses (adjustable if fewer hours are used).

Commissioners discussed prioritizing voting facilities and the courthouse ahead of the May primary, noted that some tenants (for example, federally leased offices) may affect the county’s assessment obligations, and asked staff to identify which facilities to start with and to return with proposals for any work the board wishes to authorize.

Fox emphasized that the presented figures cover assessment work only and do not include subsequent remediation costs to bring buildings into compliance.

Next steps: staff will provide a prioritized list of facilities for assessment and, if the board directs, present formal proposals for the selected buildings. No binding contract was authorized in the meeting transcript.