Commission approves $500,000 funding plan for assessor/DMV remodel to fix roof, HVAC and plumbing

Kane County commissioners on June 30 approved a $500,000 funding plan to remodel the assessor/DMV building after staff detailed persistent leaks, aging HVAC and a deteriorating roof.

Sheriff Ray and facilities staff described visible water damage, failing floor areas and an HVAC system that is more than 20 years old; facilities said a minimal remodel would likely cost about $200,000 but full remediation with contingencies could push the total higher. “It should be a 1 time cost, and we should be good for another 20 years,” Ray said of the proposed scope.

Staff recommended splitting the cost across budget years and funds: $200,000 from the buildings-and-grounds budget (split across this year and next) and $300,000 from the MBA fund (also across two years). Finance staff said the MBA fund has a multi-million-dollar balance with approximately $2.1 million available after obligations, and recommended the MBA as the primary cushion for the project.

Commissioners discussed contingency assumptions (staff suggested $50,000–$80,000 as a contingency estimate and recommended value engineering in design) and directed the design team to develop options that meet a target budget while addressing known issues (roof, HVAC, plumbing). Commissioner Patty Cabey moved to approve proceeding with the contract and the funding plan; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The county will proceed to finalize designs, incorporate contingency as needed, and return with contract documents; staff said the work is planned to start in the fall and carry into spring to avoid service interruptions.