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Justice Center 80% complete; commissioners keep smaller secured‑parking plan and authorize gate option
Summary
County engineer and contractor reported the Justice Center is about 80% complete with a monthly payout of roughly $2.9 million; commissioners debated an expanded secured‑parking option estimated at about $300,000 but voted to keep the original plan (eight secured spaces) and directed staff to add a gate or card access if needed.
County Engineer John Hernandez and Tim McCandless of Fulton told the court the Justice Center construction is approximately 80 percent complete, with this month's payout around $2.9 million. Work on the 1st and 2nd floors is in finishing stages, the 3rd floor is framed and rough‑in is underway, and courtroom furniture is being fabricated with a planned delivery in May so the county can transition into the new building in early summer.
Hernandez presented a secure‑parking plan that originally included eight spaces (two handicap) for judges and staff but showed an alternative to expand the secured area to 25 spaces at an estimated cost of roughly $300,000 for additional concrete, masonry, electrical and security work. Commissioners and the sheriff discussed whether new, specific threats justified the larger footprint; law enforcement said existing secured areas and card access are in place and suggested gate solutions could meet security needs at lower cost.
After discussion, Commissioner Sikorsky moved to retain the originally planned secured parking and authorize the county engineer to add a gated/card access if necessary; the motion carried unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to ensure parking layout accommodates judges, court reporters and limited attorney access as appropriate.
Separately, the county engineer updated the courthouse renovation: BRW will deliver 100% construction documents in about six weeks, Fulton will finalize a guaranteed maximum price, and that renovation work is expected to take about 18 months, targeting completion around Christmas 2027.
The court did not authorize the larger $300,000 change order; it preserved the initial design and a lower‑cost gate option to address security concerns.
