Board approves courthouse change orders, moves forward on furniture bids and new voting system

County staff presented a package of courthouse renovation updates, change orders and furniture needs for the new addition and remodeled courthouse. Commissioners approved related change orders and directed staff to proceed with bidding and procurement steps.

A county presenter outlined immediate furniture needs: new desks for one district judge and three county judges, desks for county court reporters and bailiffs, and outfitting three break rooms and a jury room. The presenter recommended advertising furniture bids well ahead of installation (advertise around Thanksgiving for a December return) so vendors can review plans before the spring installation window.

Staff also recommended sealing and painting the basement area that will temporarily house judges' chambers during remodeling, replacing a hazardous sidewalk near the annex (important for veteran services and mobility‑impaired users), and widening the sally port entry so 22–24 foot vans can exit without striking the wall. Commissioners discussed these change orders and voted to accept the change order report; the motion passed by raise‑hand vote, 7-0.

Separately, commissioners debated upgrading the board’s voting system. The proposed Meridian system had an initial equipment quote discussed in the packet (a referenced figure near $5,000 for the system components and an internal budget figure of $15,000 mentioned in discussion). After discussion of additional likely costs—display screens and integration—the board voted to move forward with procurement planning for a new system and asked staff to provide final cost estimates and funding sources before completing purchase.

The board received other courthouse‑project status updates, including a plan to add a sleeve to protect an existing water line at the sally port foundation to avoid shutting down courthouse services, and approval to widen the sally port curve and adjust concrete work to improve vehicle access. Commissioners also accepted a courthouse change‑order and expenditure report.

The board asked that staff return with firm bid packages, cost estimates and proposed funding sources before executing major procurements.