Monroe County plans for courthouse addition

For several years the Monroe County Commissioners have agreed that something has to be done to alleviate the overcrowding and difficult security situation at the courthouse.

“This is a very busy place,” said Chairman John Moyer at Wednesday’s commissioners meeting. “We have been approved for a seventh judge starting January 2020 and we just don’t have the room.”

Moyer also expressed his concern with the current security at the courthouse.

“The judges and the witnesses share the same public corridors,” Moyer said. “There are too many entrances and exits to secure as well.”

Over the past few years the county has made strides in moving many of the offices from the courthouse and the annex to 701 Main St. Renovations are underway to move the district attorney there, and the commissioners are discussing moving the public defender’s office there as well.

Moyer said these are just the first few steps in moving forward with the upgrade.

On Wednesday the commissioners approved a motion to hire CGL Companies LLC to provide pre-design architectural services to the county for the project. The pre-design phase was approved at a cost of $306,200. During the construction phase, CGL will receive 7.9 percent of the total construction cost as payment for the design.

William H. Lane Inc. was approved to provide construction management services for the courthouse addition, and the renovation of the old courthouse and annex.

“It is very wise to have a construction management company on board,” said Vice Chairman Charles Garris. “I also want to thank Commissioner (John) Christy for all the hard work he has put into this project.”

Christy was praised by Moyer as well for coordinating all of the departments that will be involved in the project. Christy agreed that it has been a “collaborative effort” on behalf of all of the departments that will be using the space.

Lane’s agreement was divided into three parts. The Pre-Construction Phase was approved at $150,000. The Construction Management Phase was approved at $787,500 up to a $35 million construction cost, with overages approved at 2.25 percent of the actual cost.

The estimated general conditions of the contract were approved at $1,547,500.

Moyer said the topped-out estimate for the project is $35 million.

“That is the total top end of our estimates,” Moyer said. “That number will be reduced by any grants or other funding that we are able to receive.”

Moyer said that when the county is ready to proceed with the project that the commissioners will be seeking to obtain a bond, and the hope is that the county’s excellent credit rating will ensure a good interest rate on the bond.