Commissioners press for paperwork as officials say new facility could open this week

County commissioners pressed county staff on whether a newly built facility could open before the court had seen formal completion paperwork, with one commissioner saying the court had not been provided documentation showing the structure is safe.

A county official told the court that, "as soon as Friday" is the anticipated opening if the contractor finishes remaining tasks and the facility is staffed. The official added the county relies on the architect's recommendation and reports from experts and emphasized that the county will not release the contractor's retainage until the punch list is 100% complete.

Commissioners requested copies of a certificate of substantial completion, the county auditor's checklist and photographs taken as part of the closeout process. One commissioner said: "At this point, we just have to take word of mouth and the structure is safe," and asked that documentation be presented to the court rather than relying on verbal assurances.

County staff replied they could provide the materials on request and reiterated that limited public use of completed areas while finishing the final punch-list items is a common practice, but final payment will not be made until contracted items are complete. The court did not take a binding action on opening dates at the time of discussion but recorded the request for documentation and confirmed retainage will be withheld until the punch list is completed.