Decision deadline looms for crucial DA office relocation

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal to relocate the District Attorney's office to accommodate state court requirements, with a budget of $2 million at stake. The state court has requested the DA's office to vacate the third floor of the annex, which they wish to utilize entirely for court functions.

Four options were presented for the relocation project, with varying costs and timelines. The first option involves working with Ameresco, which would complete the project for $1.4 million by January 2025. However, a proposed $125,000 change order related to elevator delays was deemed unacceptable by officials, potentially affecting the overall budget.

The second option would involve seeking new bids for a general contractor, estimated to cost around $1 million and complete by July 2025. This option would delay the project by several months but could save funds.

A third option considered utilizing the General Services Department for the project, with an estimated cost of $600,000 and a completion timeline extending into late 2026. However, this option lacks finalized bid documents, making the cost uncertain.

The fourth option would be to maintain the status quo, which officials indicated is unlikely to be approved by the state courts and could jeopardize the funding.

Legal counsel clarified that the state is obligated to provide the allocated funds, regardless of the DA's office relocation. However, officials expressed concerns about the potential reputational damage of failing to utilize the funds effectively.

The meeting underscored the urgency of making a decision, as the state court's funding hinges on the timely execution of the proposed changes. Officials are expected to finalize their decision within the week to ensure compliance with state requirements and secure the necessary funding for the project.