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Auditor delays office upgrades as board confronts freight‑elevator emergency
Summary
The Board recognized a national award for a recorder staffer and debated two CIP projects for the auditor/recorder offices but tabled the funding after facilities staff reported the courthouse freight elevator had failed and likely needs full replacement (estimated $150,000–$300,000 with a six‑month lead time); the board voted to table CIP requests pending quotes.
County Auditor Michelle Scaff opened the item by recognizing Diane Swoboda Peterson for a national award and then presented estimates to repair and secure the auditor and recorder office areas, including new cubicles, granite counters, window seals and vault repairs.
“It's been a long time,” Scaff said of some of the existing furniture and finishes; she presented both new and used furniture quotes and explained the upgrades are intended to protect irreplaceable records and improve security for election operations.
During discussion Kenny (facilities) reported that the courthouse freight elevator — the unit used to move election equipment and to transport inmates — recently failed and that parts are no longer available. He said the county has been relying on decommissioned parts and occasional fabrications but the service company would no longer fabricate replacements; he estimated a replacement cost between $150,000 and $300,000 and said manufacturers estimate about a six‑month lead time once ordered.
Because the elevator affects elections equipment storage and building access, supervisors expressed concern about committing the limited available CIP funds without a firm elevator quote. Michelle Scaff and the chair recommended tabling the auditor/recorder CIP projects until staff can return with detailed quotes and options; the board voted 5–0 to table the proposals. The county will seek elevator cost estimates and return the CIP items to a future agenda.
