Contract and financing reviewed for Carroll County courthouse and clock-tower renovation; work to start in January

Stuart Shunt of Center Facilities Partners told the fiscal court Nov. 25 that the county is ready to finalize the contract to begin a second phase of courthouse renovation, including roofing and decking work, enclosing the clock tower, replacing windows and improving security of entries.

Why it matters: The work affects county courthouse operations, voting machine access areas and public entry points; presenters said they are planning operations to maintain safe egress during construction and to minimize disruption. The contract includes a separate new roof for the jail and a small solar array estimated to generate about $5,000 annually.

Shunt said project financing will rely in part on tax credits: "There's an $850,000 historic tax credit that Matt has been working on... and also a $150,000 investment tax credit," which together the presenter described as roughly $1,000,000 that would reduce the county's net cost. The team warned that some credits expire next July and said they intend to lock in material pricing.

The county discussed door and window options with the presenter, focusing on security and energy efficiency. Staff committed to weekly look-ahead meetings and email notifications to county departments; Matt was identified as the likely project coordinator responsible for distributing schedules and addressing department concerns.

Next steps: Staff said final contract revisions from the county attorney have been made and recommended approval to move forward; mobilization is expected in January and substantial completion was targeted for late next fall so the clock tower features can be in place for the following Thanksgiving season.