County updates on new building timeline and unexpected water-main issues; construction administration extended

The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 28 approved a change order and discussed operational challenges that may affect the move-in schedule for the new county building, including buried water mains and outstanding inspections.
What the board approved: Commissioners voted to approve a change-order request extending construction-administration services for Warren Street Architects by $66,800 and to authorize the chair to sign the related documents so the architect can continue oversight through anticipated project completion in October 2025.
Why it matters: County officials said a handful of outstanding items — including electrical inspections for dispatch equipment, ADA signage, the Lula lift license and other punch-list items — must be completed before the county will seek a certificate of occupancy. Facilities staff said Harvey Construction and subcontractors are working toward those items but that an October 1 opening may be tight; the board indicated a November 1 tentative date may reduce schedule pressure.
Unexpected infrastructure work: Facilities staff described multiple discoveries of previously unrecorded water mains under and around the complex during construction and repair activities. Staff said the team found valves and lines not on current utility maps and will perform a brief, county-wide five‑minute water shutdown to test isolation and identify remaining sources. The county’s facilities lead said the water‑main findings require follow-up but will ultimately address long-term reliability.
Communications and next steps: The board approved an additional change order for site work related to the Northwell Driveway improvements tied to a DOT grant and authorized final documents for Comcast service for the new building. Commissioners asked facilities staff to return with a clearer occupancy timeline at the next meeting and said they prefer a conservative November in-case contingency items extend beyond October.
Quotes from staff included practical explanations about the buried mains: “Water issues, water, water everywhere,” one facilities staff member said, summarizing the week’s discoveries, and commissioners agreed the work will help avoid future service disruptions.
No formal vote was taken on a final occupancy date; the board asked staff to continue coordinating with Harvey Construction, the architect and inspectors and to report back with a status update.