Linn County advances plans for $730,000 courthouse interior remodel, with HVAC work driving costs
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Summary
County staff presented phase‑1 of an interior remodeling project for the Linn County Courthouse focused on creating future courtroom space and replacing aging HVAC systems; staff estimated the project at $730,000 with over $400,000 for mechanical work and outlined a December bidding schedule and a potential January contract award.
Darren Gage, Director of Policy Administration, and Rob Peck of Design Dynamics detailed a phase‑1 interior remodel of the Linn County Courthouse aimed at creating space for a future courtroom and eventually supporting expansion of the county attorney’s office.
The plan would repurpose floor space through staff relocations and digitization of records to vacate areas for a new courtroom in a later phase. Darren and Rob described aging HVAC and mechanical systems in the work area (noting systems are roughly 40–50 years old) and recommended replacing units now rather than later to avoid rework. Staff discussed a total project estimate of $730,000, with more than $400,000 allocated to mechanical/HVAC work; they noted an alternate to replace problematic fiberglass supply/return piping estimated at about $253,000.
Darren said the project has been incrementally budgeted in the county’s CIP and that bids could be due on Dec. 12 with openings on Dec. 15 and an anticipated contract award in early January if the board preliminarily approves plans and specifications at the Wednesday meeting. He confirmed planning consultations with county attorney Nick Maybanks, court administration (Kelly Cortez) and Judge Thornhill to ensure courtroom configuration and sight lines meet court requirements.
Board members expressed support for advancing the item to Wednesday for formal consideration and for moving forward with bid authorization if the board gives preliminary approval next week.