COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners were told during their work session on Thursday that another million dollars may be needed to finish renovation work on the courthouse building.
The District, Circuit, and Probate courtrooms need to be renovated in the nearly 50-year-old building due to in large part to them not being in compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
After Branch County Commissioners felt last October the price tag for the courtroom renovations was too high, architect Stan Stopek from the Kalamazoo firm of Abonmarche Byce said they managed to cut the costs down to about $2,250,000.
Stopek told Commissioners seven firms attended the pre-bid meeting, with three of them submitting bids before last Monday’s deadline. No written documentation was presented to Commissioners, but they are expected to get a recommendation during their May 8 work session.
County Administrator Frank Walsh said the overall courthouse cost estimate is between $3,700,000 and $3,800,000 when expenses are added for flooring, caulking, railing, sidewalk and HVAC improvements. But he added the county has an option available in the possible use of ARPA funds that will keep the project on track without impacting the general fund budget.
Comments