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Adams County commissioners approve courthouse feasibility study, contingent on funding
Summary
Commissioners authorized a $25,500 study to evaluate whether the historic courthouse can be adapted for court functions and to scope a new building across Third Street, but approval is contingent on identifying funding and possible county-council sign-off.
Adams County commissioners on Monday authorized a consultant study to analyze whether the historic courthouse can be adapted for court use and to develop a space and cost estimate for a potential new building across Third Street, but the work will proceed only if the county can identify budget authority or obtain county-council approval.
The board reviewed a proposal from design and engineering consultants to conduct a structural assessment of the courthouse and an MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection) review, plus architectural planning and a cost estimate for a new facility that could house the clerk, probation, prosecutor’s office and superior court. The study price presented to commissioners was roughly $25,500; consultants estimated a six-week turnaround if the study is authorized.
County leaders framed the study as the next step before committing to a multi-million-dollar construction project. Commissioners said the analysis must consider long-term systems upgrades; one official stressed that the analysis should account for HVAC, electrical and plumbing upgrades sufficient for at least 25 years of use. The motion that commissioners approved specified that authorization is contingent on finding a funding source in the county’s budget or, if necessary, securing county-council approval for additional funds.
Commissioners emphasized the study’s purpose is to reduce uncertainty before any larger decision. As one commissioner put it during discussion, the ultimate decision on any project will “come down to cost.” The board instructed county staff to work with the auditor to identify potential budget lines to cover the study before any purchase orders are issued.
Next steps: staff and the auditor will look for budget authority and report back; if funding cannot be located internally, the county will seek the council’s approval. The consultant expects to deliver the analysis about six weeks after formal authorization.
