Commission told elevator bids far exceeded budget; staff requests nearly $786,000 increase plus design funds for jail elevators

County staff introduced a CIP amendment to modernize courthouse lobby elevators (three this year) and to begin design for two adult-detention elevators. Tanya said the project went out to bid and the low bid "far exceeded our budget," creating a request for additional budget authority.

Andrew, on Zoom, detailed the funding ask: $685,993 to cover the amount by which current bids exceed the existing budget, and an additional $100,000 to produce design and bidding documents for two jail elevators so construction planning can occur in 2027. Staff estimated the 2024 modernization package for the three lobby elevators will push the project total to roughly $1,500,000 for the current scope.

Andrew said the county's budget for this project was prepared in 2021 and that "in 2024, there was a major code adoption for elevators and and escalators," which added more sophisticated—and costlier—safety features. He explained the new code has led to adding cameras, screens and other monitoring equipment so dispatchers can see occupants during entrapments, and staff said replacement is necessary because parts for the old systems are no longer available.

Staff emphasized that the county's CIP reserve can cover the current request so no additional cash is required immediately, but warned that in 2027 the county will need to request additional general-fund cash because elevator modernization is becoming a recurring and costly need that will put pressure on the general fund.

Commissioners questioned whether refurbishment rather than full replacement could be an option, and one commissioner argued the video/audio requirements may add maintenance costs over time and suggested scaling back standards. Staff said they will bring technical code experts (including Chris Labrum and the electrical chief Chris Nordick) to the commission for a detailed discussion before final action.