Commission weighs $14,300–$33,000 bat‑mitigation quotes after colony found in courthouse cupola

County staff told commissioners that the courthouse cupola has become home to a sizable bat colony and presented two mitigation quotes — a lower quote of about $14,300 and a higher quote around $33,000.

"It's a lot more expensive than I thought to get rid of bats," the commission director said while describing the problem and the estimates. Staff said bats have been seen in courtrooms and offices and recounted a reported incident of a bat scratching someone, which could become a workers' compensation issue.

Commissioners asked whether mitigation addresses entry points such as rotted window sills; one commissioner urged more information on what the contractors would do and whether the window sills would be fixed as part of mitigation. Staff said mitigation firms provide a 10‑year warranty guaranteeing no bats for that period and would return after cupola repairs to ensure the colony did not reestablish.

After discussion commissioners indicated consensus that the bat issue should be addressed sooner rather than later. The commission did not record a separate formal vote to expend funds on mitigation during this meeting; staff requested direction and received consensus to proceed with addressing the colony and coordinating it with the cupola repair plan.