The Lee County Board of Commissioners convened on December 2, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the repair of the historic courthouse.

The meeting began with Brandon Key presenting the bid for the Lee County Historic Courthouse Repair. He provided a brief background, noting that the county had received approval for an emergency supplemental historic preservation fund grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This funding, along with additional state grants, is aimed at addressing necessary repairs to the courthouse.

Key outlined the main priorities for the project, which include roof replacement and masonry repairs to the exterior brick and brownstone. The objective is to ensure the building is watertight and to restore it as closely as possible to its original construction.

The bidding process for the repairs took place from September 16 to October 10, 2024, during which six bids were received. The lowest bid came from Harrod and Associates Constructors Incorporated, totaling $1,212,100. Key confirmed that references for the contractor had been verified and that Hobbs Architects recommended Harrod and Associates for the project.

The commissioners were asked to approve the bid submission, allowing the county to proceed with contract execution. During the discussion, no questions were raised by the commissioners, indicating a consensus on the recommendation.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to preserving its historic structures through necessary repairs, with the approval of the bid expected to facilitate the commencement of work on the courthouse. Further steps will follow as the county moves forward with the project.