Architect warns courthouse remodel will likely require HVAC overhaul; commissioners to form small design group

County design staff flagged significant mechanical constraints in a proposed courthouse remodel and commissioners agreed to convene a focused group to define program needs.

Dave Innerstruck, the project architect, said the courthouse's current HVAC is not configured to support multiple private offices on the second floor and that converting meeting rooms into separate, private offices could mean reworking or replacing the HVAC. "The current HVAC system is not designed in a manner to really break it into individual offices, so it's gonna get, you know, a little expensive to do that," Innerstruck said.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including lower partitions, partial moves and leaving some functions in place where secure storage and locked voting-machine custody are required. County building coordinator Jake Don recommended mapping actual departmental needs and noted that leaving the clerk's office in place could reduce costs by avoiding relocation of secure storage. Commissioners directed staff to form a small group with facilities and departmental representatives to program needs and return recommendations before pursuing comprehensive renovations or bids.

The group will consider privacy and security requirements for juvenile, probate and probation functions and estimate costs and phasing for any HVAC changes prior to moving ahead.