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LaPorte County commissioners authorize RFQs for courthouse HVAC repair after near-90°F conditions
Summary
The LaPorte County Board of Commissioners authorized requests for qualifications for a design-build contract to repair the courthouse heating and cooling system and set a submission timeline ahead of an August 5 review; the action passed 2-0.
The LaPorte County Board of Commissioners on June 17 authorized requests for qualifications for a design-build contract to repair the heating and cooling system at the LaPorte County Courthouse after commissioners said temperatures inside had reached nearly 90 degrees.
President Steve Holifield told the board that Facilities Director Ms. Davis will solicit RFQ proposals for the full system repair and that commissioners are looking at outstanding bills of about $90,000 related to temporary fixes. "We're looking at $90,000 for outstanding bills right now and it's not even fixed," Holifield said. Commissioners set proposals to be submitted to the Auditor by 12:00 p.m. on Aug. 4 for consideration at a special meeting scheduled for Aug. 5 at 10:00 a.m. The board approved the RFQs by motion (moved by Commissioner Joe Haney, seconded by Holifield) on a 2-0 vote.
Why it matters: The courthouse is a primary public facility where residents come to transact official business, and commissioners described recent workshop testimony that indoor temperatures approached unsafe levels. The RFQ process will identify firms qualified to design and implement a permanent solution; staff will return with cost estimates and procurement recommendations for the board to consider.
What the board authorized: The RFQ authorization directs Facilities to solicit design-build qualifications and return competitive proposals by the stated deadline. Attorney DiMartino suggested a timeline to review submissions at the board's second July meeting or the first August meeting; the commissioners settled the Aug. 5 target.
Next steps: Facilities will publicize the RFQ and accept proposals at the Auditor's office through noon Aug. 4. The commissioners will review responses at the Aug. 5 meeting and may then authorize further procurement actions or funding requests.
Provenance: This article is based on discussion and motions recorded in the LaPorte County Commissioners' meeting on June 17, 2026 (agenda items and RFQ motion).
