Commissioners approve $482,330 limited scope to advance courthouse annex work

Callahan County commissioners voted Dec. 8 to approve a limited scope of work worth $482,330 so JC Stoddard can start preparatory work on the courthouse annex before a final architect is selected.

Sandra, addressing the court, said JC Stoddard requested permission to move forward on tasks they consider necessary regardless of which architect is ultimately chosen, including shoring the roof structure, constructing a temporary support wall on the north side, rebuilding a collapsed portion of roof framing, and installing temporary power. Sandra described the work as preparatory "so they could then move forward with the demo" and said the subcontractors proposed are largely finished on courthouse restoration tasks and are available now.

Commissioner Farmer moved to approve the limited scope and Commissioner Windham seconded; the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Commissioners discussed concerns about where temporary walls would be placed and whether additional sealing would be required if portions of the north wall are removed; staff offered to have Ron (project contact) available to answer more technical questions if the court wished to table the item.

The $482,330 figure presented on the record covered general conditions, equipment usage, temporary support wall construction, partial roof reconstruction, and temporary power; Sandra told the court the work is optional but would advance the annex schedule if approved. The court did not record any contract amendment text during the meeting; staff will follow up with a formal scope-of-work and contract documents for the file.