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Board discusses moving probation to Federal Building; architect fee and unknown HVAC costs stall final approval
Summary
County staff presented an architect fee proposal (~$48,000) to remodel part of the Federal Building for adult probation, but the proposal excluded plumbing, electrical and HVAC design; commissioners asked staff to return with detailed cost estimates and plans for parking, drug-testing logistics and security before committing budget funds.
Hall County staff reported progress on a possible relocation of adult probation to the Federal Building and presented a fee proposal from CMBA Architects to plan interior build-out primarily using existing space behind the elevator to create a reception area and meeting rooms.
Staff said the architect’s proposal — described during the meeting as roughly $48,000 for initial construction planning of reception/meeting spaces, carpet and paint — did not include electrical, plumbing or HVAC design. Board members asked for detailed estimates for HVAC, ductwork and return-air changes, and noted that HVAC design likely would require a mechanical engineer and add materially to the project cost.
Commissioners also raised operational questions: the move would accommodate roughly 46 staff initially and could expand to about 60, raising parking and traffic considerations because probation conducts high-volume morning drug testing. Board members discussed existing parking resources, potential traffic-control needs for drug testing, restroom capacity and whether a $500,000 line item noted in earlier budget planning was still appropriate.
No vote or final authorization to proceed with construction was taken. Commissioners asked staff to provide firm bids for plumbing, electrical and HVAC work and to review options for using the plaza building or renovating existing space before moving forward.
