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Supervisors split on capital projects; county separates and approves courthouse funding amid broader budget pushback
Summary
Board members debated priorities for courthouse renovations and capital projects during a broad administrative budget review. Supervisors split on Budget Unit 1778 (capital projects); the board separated that unit for standalone consideration and approved it 4–1, then approved other administrative units by voice vote.
Deputy CAO Casey Moreno presented a slate of administrative budget units and a capital projects package that includes courthouse HVAC upgrades, a fourth‑floor remodel and other facility improvements. Several supervisors urged caution, questioning the timing of high capital expenditures while the county faces structural budget pressures.
Public Works Director Lars Ewing explained prior efforts to negotiate property exchanges with the state, saying a direct land swap was not feasible for the new courthouse location and that the county’s equity calculation left a net figure near $1.1 million; he described the capital work proposed for the existing county building (HVAC, restrooms and board chambers) and the need to maintain county facilities.
Board members asked staff to separate the capital projects item (Budget Unit 1778) for standalone consideration. The motion to approve Budget Unit 1778 passed 4–1. The board then voted to approve the remaining administrative units (including Board of Supervisors, County Administrative Office, Clerk of the Board and several community development and public safety funds) as a group; that group motion carried 5–0.
Supervisors asked for additional detail and a facilities presentation so the board could better understand long‑term plans and the distribution of capital investments across the county. Staff committed to returning with more detailed facilities and space‑use information, with a targeted presentation in early July.
