Cass County approves $12.1 million Courthouse Annex remodel, awards construction contracts

The Cass County Commission voted June 15 to authorize awarding bids and issue notices to proceed for a courthouse annex remodel, accepting submitted bids that put the all‑in project cost slightly below the original $12.5 million estimate.

County Administrator Mr. Wilson told the commission that after opening bids and reviewing requested alternates the county’s estimated total project cost is $12.126 million, which includes construction bids and soft costs. "We came out of the bids in extraordinarily good fashion," he said.

Wilson identified the low bidders and reported contract amounts: Diversified Construction as the general contractor at about $3,432,800; Mission Mechanical as the mechanical contractor at about $3,013,600; and Bergstrom Electric as electrical contractor at $1,579,450. The proposal also includes roughly $226,000 for sliding doors in the human services zone. Administrators said final AIA construction agreements will return to the commission for formal signature once staff and the state attorney finalize documents.

Commissioner Flackle moved to award the listed contracts and issue notices to proceed; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote.

Commissioners asked about judicial requirements and potential grant support for moving the juvenile courts office. Wilson said the county submitted a courthouse improvement grant application for the office relocation; county staff estimated that relocation‑specific costs total approximately $167,496.60 and that the county is eligible to apply for up to 75% of that amount (about $125,622.45), leaving an estimated county share near $41,874.15.

Officials said the project is phased to renovate the annex building first and then move other offices (including the state’s attorney and juvenile court functions) into the remodelled annex as spaces become available. Wilson credited department staff and the project architect (JLG) for precise specifications that helped generate competitive bids.

The commission authorized the awards and notices to proceed and instructed staff to return final construction agreements to the commission when ready.