The proposed project includes new lighting, concrete walkways, bricks reflecting the colors/patterns of floors inside the courthouse, landscaping and a relocated county police memorial. The project also would include underground work such as repairing a tunnel between buildings and filling in other tunnels built with the courthouse.
The estimate includes waterproofing of the lower part of the Courthouse building to help with water damage. That effort would require excavation around the building, said Chris Monnin of Garmann-Miller Architects and Engineers . Commissioner Jack Evans said a portion of the overall project cost – possibly around $1 million – would be on excavation and related work.
“They are going to be shocked to hear it is $3.5 million, no doubt about it,” Evans said.
The dates for the public presentations were not set. The commissioners said they would like to bid and begin a project this year.
Commissioners met Tuesday with consultants from Garmann-Miller to review revised project drawings for the project first presented last year as three proposals ranging in cost from $1.667 million to $3.273 million.
The revised estimate was provided verbally Tuesday by Kathy Trejo of Garmann-Miller. The commissioners’ office said nothing on the estimate was received in writing. The commissioners will meet in a special work session Friday to review details of the project and cost estimates more in depth.
Commissioner Greg Simmons said the cost basically would be closer to $4 million if all proposed work would be included.
All three commissioners said they like the revised project plans.
“I certainly like the project … all but the price tag,” said Commissioner Ted Mercer, who joined the commission last week. He added, however, any project done needs to be done right so it lasts for years to come.
“This is the center of the county … We want it done right as well,” Monnin said.
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