Commissioners approve pump-station design contract and hire courthouse activation consultant

Lincoln County commissioners approved two contracts April 6 covering water infrastructure and redevelopment planning.

West Lincoln booster pump station — County staff presented a design-services contract for a booster pump station skid replacement in the western service zone. The contract amount is $288,000 and the project is funded in the 2026 budget at $1.5 million. Staff said the work will include evaluation of pumps, replacement design, and construction administration. The board approved the contract by voice vote.

Historic courthouse activation consultant — The board also approved a phased professional-services agreement with place-led redevelopment consultant Andrew Major for $150,000 with options to stop after early phases. County staff said Major will help activate the courthouse grounds via ‘‘meanwhile’’ uses, generate public programming to attract potential partners and investors, and assist in structuring any future public-private partnership so the project is not a burden on taxpayers.

Speakers quoted: "This booster pump station has been serving for many, many years. It's time to redo that booster pump station skid," said county staff member Jonathan. On the courthouse work, staff said the consultant's role is to bridge the current phase and future phases by creating activation and marketability for the site.

What happens next: Design work for the booster station proceeds; the courthouse activation work will begin in phases with periodic review and options to discontinue after each subphase.