Henderson County approves $84.2 million GMP for courthouse addition after 3–2 vote

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on March 16 to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $84,214,579.92 for the county’s Judicial Complex addition and renovation and directed staff to contract with Haskell-Cooper and release the site work package so a site contractor may mobilize.

The special-called meeting at the historic Henderson County Courthouse opened with County Manager John Mitchell offering the invocation and Commissioner Rebecca McCall leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman William Lapsley presided.

The project represents the largest capital construction undertaking in Henderson County’s history, the board record says, with a total estimated budget of about $99.8 million when soft costs are included. John Albro, representing contractor Haskell-Cooper, presented materials to the board; county staff and consultants outlined construction timelines, parking plans and logistics. Staff told the board the county’s impound lot has been temporarily relocated; a permanent site has not been identified in the record.

Board members split on the project’s fiscal implications. Vice-Chair J. Michael Edney, who made the motion to approve the GMP, said he was confident in the project’s financing. "I move that the Henderson County Board of Commissioners approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $84,214,579.92 for the JCAR: Courthouse Project, and direct Henderson County staff to contract with Haskell-Cooper on this project, and additionally, authorize staff to direct Haskell-Cooper to release the site work package, allowing the site work contractor to mobilize on the courthouse project," Edney said.

Commissioner Sheila Franklin said she opposed approving the GMP at this time, citing concerns about the overall cost, the potential effect on other planned projects and opposition to raising taxes to cover expenses. Commissioner Jay Egolf said he acknowledged the need for improved judicial facilities but echoed concerns about long-term costs and potential tax implications. Commissioner Rebecca McCall emphasized the planning process and said some concerns had been previously addressed, and she noted that alternative funding sources may be available for other projects.

Chairman William Lapsley told the board that significant cost-reduction efforts, including design changes, had already been implemented and emphasized the work already invested in planning and analysis.

The roll call vote approved the motion 3–2. Commissioners Lapsley, McCall and Edney voted in favor; Commissioners Egolf and Franklin voted against it. The board then recessed and adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

Next steps in the record: staff were authorized to contract with Haskell-Cooper and to release the site work package so the site contractor may mobilize. The transcript does not specify a contract execution date, a construction start date, or a permanent location for the relocated impound lot.