Commissioners award $698,000 contract for Justice Building repairs and add $700,000 to CIP

Kosciusko County commissioners on July 14 approved a bid award and a companion amendment to the county's capital improvement plan to fund renovations at the Justice Building.

County administrator Marsha McSherry and county staff recommended awarding the Justice Building renovation contract to Structural Waterproofing and Restoration LLC (SWR) of Memphis, Tenn., the apparent low bidder at $698,000. Carrie, the staff member presenting the bid review, told commissioners staff had "done a pretty extensive study" and met with the engineer and contractor to confirm the low bid matched the scope for facade repairs, panel replacement, anchors, tuckpointing and regrouting of limestone panels. The board voted to approve the award as recommended.

County attorney Ed Ormsby read an order amending the county's 2025'27 capital improvement plan to add two items for 2026: $803,000 for highway/road projects and $700,000 for the Justice Building renovation. The board moved, seconded and approved the CIP amendment.

The county noted the decision followed standard procurement review: staff checked references and consulted the project engineer before recommending the low bidder. No commissioner requested rebidding during the public discussion; the chair called for the vote and the motion carried by voice vote.

The approval authorizes county staff to finalize the contract with SWR and to proceed with the renovation under the documented scope. The county did not specify an exact construction start date in the meeting record; staff indicated project steps will follow the contract execution and engineering timeline.