Commissioners approve District Courthouse Phase 2 plan; projected cost $3.91 million

Potter County commissioners approved construction documents and a projected budget for Phase 2 of the District Courthouse project, accepting the project executive committee’s recommendation and the architect’s cost estimate.

Project manager Mike Head walked the court through changes since the 65% design, explained the decision to use a single general contractor (who will subcontract demolition), and reviewed site features including 216 parking spaces (21 handicap). Head said the architect’s cost estimator placed Phase 2 work at $3,869,258, and county‑responsible items total $40,870, yielding a combined projected cost of $3,910,128. He outlined key dates: bid advertisement Jan. 2, mandatory pre‑bid Jan. 13, bids due Jan. 31, committee ranking the week of Feb. 3, and a planned construction start of May 1, 2025. Commissioners voted 5–0 to approve the plans, specifications and projected project cost summary.

Head discussed demolition methods and salvage of materials; he said the building could be ‘‘disassembled’’ rather than imploded to limit dust and handling. Commissioners asked about handicapped access and street crosswalks; staff noted negotiations with the city regarding streetscape standards and future addenda to bidding documents.