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Henry County approves $15,000 engineering study to assess courthouse bell tower restoration after Renaissance proposal
Summary
After a presentation and a Renaissance proposal entered into the record, Henry County commissioners authorized a capped $15,000 engineering study to evaluate reconstruction of the courthouse bell tower and clock. Renaissance supplied a rough estimate for full restoration of about $1.55 million and optional clock and bell work.
Henry County commissioners on Jan. 20 authorized a limited engineering study — capped at $15,000 — to evaluate a proposal to restore the courthouse bell tower and clock. The study authorization followed a presentation and the entry of a Renaissance Historic Exteriors proposal into the meeting record.
Commissioner Patrick Burns moved to amend Resolution 11-1-26 to include a $15,000 limit on the study; Commissioner James Higgins seconded. The commission approved the motion as amended. The action directs the County Mayor to negotiate, finalize, and execute a study contract with Renaissance or another qualified engineering firm and report the study findings to the commission when complete.
Renaissance Historic Exteriors submitted a written rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) estimate that the minutes include as an exhibit. The ROM lists approximately $1,550,000 for full dome restoration, an Option 1 for clock-face and machinery restoration of about $100,000 (Americlock referenced as a vendor partner), and an Option 2 for bell bracing and reset of about $42,500. Commissioners and staff limited the immediate authorization to an engineering feasibility and cost study; no final contract for restoration or removal was approved at the Jan. 20 meeting.
Separately, a resolution authorizing removal of the bell tower and storage of the historic bell (Resolution 12-1-26) was presented but received no action during the meeting. That proposed removal resolution had its own estimated ceiling in the record (the removal/rescue option in the minutes cited a not-to-exceed figure of $325,000 if the commission chose removal), but commissioners deferred action on any removal pending further study and discussion.
The engineering study is intended to provide an independent condition assessment, structural analysis, and a refined cost estimate to inform the commission’s decision about repair, replacement or removal. The Buildings & Grounds Committee and the County Mayor will receive the study and present findings to the full commission for subsequent action.
Next steps: the County Mayor is authorized to execute an agreement for the engineering study (not to exceed $15,000) and to return the study findings and cost estimates to the commission for a future vote on restoration, removal, or other remedies.
