Commissioners approve nearly $900,000 CIP increase to modernize courthouse elevators

The Board of County Commissioners approved a CIP amendment to increase the 2026 courthouse elevator upgrade budget by $896,971, bringing the project total to just under $1.6 million. Facilities Director Andrew Dales (speaker 11) told the board the low bid for the three courthouse lobby elevators came in "just over $1,200,000," and staff added approximately $200,000 for permits, plan review and contingency plus $100,000 to begin design of two jail elevators.

Dales explained the project focuses on modernization of components that are no longer supported or replaceable under routine maintenance—including new elevator controls, drives, motors and door operators—and that some costs reflect updated code requirements such as two‑way AV communications and infrared door protection introduced in recent code cycles. Commissioners pressed for options short of full replacement and for better forecasting of future elevator costs; Dales said maintenance contracts cover wear items but obsolete components make partial repairs infeasible in some cases. The commission approved the amendment 5–0.

Staff said future CIP requests will return next year for additional courthouse elevators and for the jail elevator construction phase once design estimates are complete.