Justice Center near completion as commissioners press for clarity on cost increases

Burwell Construction project manager Jiren Dwater told the Justice Center Public Safety Committee that the county's new Justice Center is moving into the final stages of construction, with crews replacing mismatched courtroom doors and installing remaining equipment this week. "They are moving," Dwater said. "The building looks beautiful and I think everybody is ready to get in and start utilizing the space."

Commissioner Grant sought details about outstanding negotiations over expenses he said taxpayers should not shoulder, including bills tied to contract attorneys. Dwater said negotiations are ongoing and that crews and tradespeople remain on site to address punch-list items as they arise. "Everything is in heavy negotiations at this point," Dwater said.

The discussion also revisited how the project's price changed during planning and bidding. Commissioners referenced an early, architect-suggested estimate of about $68'$75 million, a first formal bid of about $88 million, and later references to a roughly $106 million figure. Commissioner Green disputed the notion that the project was ever finalized at $75 million: "The 75 million came from the bids. When we were getting the bids, they were suggesting they would hit between 68 and $75 million. The first bid that we got was $88 million. It was never 75," Green said, citing COVID-related price increases as a factor.

No formal action was taken; committee members continued the conversation about who should bear residual costs while the county finalizes negotiations with contractors and the architect. The county did not provide a line-item breakdown during the meeting. Commissioners asked for a written report on outstanding negotiated items and any proposed chargebacks to contractors or architects before occupancy.