Commissioners weigh $129,700 Otis quote for elevator modernization and accessibility impacts

DeKalb County commissioners on Aug. 12 reviewed a modernization proposal for the courthouse’s main elevator after staff said the unit frequently malfunctions.

Facilities staff reported an Otis modernization base price of $129,700, with an optional cabin refurbishment that would add roughly $18,000 and could push the purchase close to statutory procurement thresholds. Commissioners noted that purchases in the $50,000‑$150,000 range typically require three written quotes from qualified vendors and asked staff to document outreach to other firms or explain why comparable bids were not available.

County counsel and commissioners also raised contract terms: the presented contract appeared to limit vendor liability to the project price, and commissioners asked staff to seek clearer liability language. Several members pressed staff to ask the vendor to include removal and disposal of hydraulic fluid in the quote rather than invoicing the county separately.

Accessibility and operational impact were major concerns. Commissioners asked how long the elevator would be out of service during modernization and whether courts and public users who cannot use stairs would be accommodated; staff said they would coordinate schedules with judges and court staff and explore weekend or holiday work windows to minimize public‑access disruption.

What happens next: staff will ask Otis for a written timetable and request inclusion of hydraulic‑fluid removal; they will solicit additional proposals or written documentation that alternatives are not available and will return with procurement recommendations.