Committee adopts $3.5M capital improvement priority list; elevators, HVAC, security on early list

The Ways and Means Committee voted to adopt a prioritization list for the first tranche of Eaton County’s capital improvement bond proceeds, roughly $3.5 million available under the current authorization. Chad Powers, capital improvements staff, presented a recommended list of projects and said the county will bid projects competitively.

Top priorities identified for the first three years of funding included repairs to courthouse concrete, drives and sidewalks; modernization of several elevators (the newest county elevator dates from 1993); replacement or modernization of the door monitoring/alarm system; feasibility work on battery backup or generator systems that could integrate with the county’s solar arrays; and replacement of an aging courthouse air‑handler system.

Powers told commissioners that elevator modernization typically replaces the car interior, controls and mechanical systems, and that state elevator code changes anticipated in 2027–28 will require significant upgrades. ‘‘Once we have everything ready to go, then we’ll schedule shutdowns and do them with minimal impact to operations,’’ he said. Powers said bids will be invited so the county can compare contractors and procurement options.

Commissioners asked about scope and grant opportunities. Powers said he would research potential grant funding for elevator or ADA work and coordinate with county staff, including 9‑1‑1, to ensure system compatibility. Several commissioners noted the importance of investing in facilities to reduce future maintenance costs and to maintain operations during outages.

The committee approved a motion to adopt the prioritization list as presented, with the understanding the list can be amended if the county secures supplemental funds or grant opportunities. Committee members also discussed the project timeline and asked staff to prepare rough cost estimates and procurement schedules.

Ending: Staff will prepare estimates and bid packages for early projects and return to the committee with refined costs and timing; the committee retained the option to pursue a second bond tranche at the end of the three‑year period.