Courthouse HVAC project ahead of schedule; board authorizes tunnel insulation replacement

County officials told the Richland County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 3 that the courthouse HVAC renovation is progressing ahead of schedule and that the board authorized further tunnel work related to recent sewer and water line replacements.

Commissioner Perry Miller reported that old sewer and water lines at the courthouse have been replaced, water shutdowns took less time than anticipated, and that stage 3 offices were returning to their regular work areas while stage 4 moves would begin next. Miller said the project remained about one month ahead of schedule and that tunnel work was expected to be complete in early October. An air exchanger has been installed on the roof and BDT was running ductwork.

Officials said the concrete slab for the new chiller will begin Sept. 9 and take about two weeks; the county plans to close the west parking lot the first week of that work but will keep handicap parking available.

Administrator Sandy Fossum said additional insulation in the courthouse tunnel needs replacement where sewer and water lines were redone. The board approved a motion, moved by Commissioner Nathan Berseth and seconded by Commissioner Tim Campbell, to authorize the insulation replacement at a cost not to exceed $68,160; the vote was unanimous.

The board was told that when tunnel work is finished — anticipated in early October — the Extension Office and Highway Department will move back to their respective offices. No contract vendor details beyond BDT's duct work were provided in the meeting record.