The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has signaled support for a scaled-back renovation plan for the aging Courthouse Hill complex, reducing the project cost from an initial $40 million to $5.5 million.
While no formal approval was given during the Wednesday, Jan.8, BoCC work session, commissioners reached a consensus on moving forward with the comprehensive option.
“The first time this was looked at in terms of remodeling Courthouse Hill, the expenditures were in the $40 million area, and that just wasn’t palpable to the Board of County Commissioners at that time,” Assistant County Manager Josh Cummings said.
The initial proposal to renovate the courthouse cost $40 million. It aimed to overhaul the complex, add new courtrooms, and improve security and accessibility.
However, the plan faced pushback from the public and the BoCC, who worried about the cost.
County Manager Leonard Hernandez acknowledged the BoCC's approach, which he said has been impactful in the planning process.
“Your decision to be unified on this issue has really helped and bolstered the stakeholders who have looked to you for leadership and direction, and has allowed us to have conversations about where we should go next,” Hernandez said.
In response to the cost concerns, county officials worked on a scaled-back plan with three options ranging from $2.4 million to $4.4 million, plus $1 million for roof repairs.
The scaled-back plan includes $4.4 million in repairs and an additional $1 million for roof work to improve the building’s exterior appearance.
According to Hernandez, the options presented were as follows:
The first option, estimated at $2.4 million, targets minimal repairs and maintenance for a continued operation for five to seven years.
The repairs include:
“Even though the physical lifespan of the building has passed its useful life, we want to extend the operational lifespan of the current courthouse complex for five, seven years,” Hernandez said.
The second option increases the scope of repairs and upgrades, estimated at $3.6 million.
The improvements include:
Cummings explained that this option balances immediate needs with future considerations.
“The needs, the recommendation that staff is making, is that to meet all the needs of the stakeholders at this juncture, we go with the $4.4 million,” said Cummings in referencing the third option.
The third option, at $4.4 million, represents the most comprehensive renovation plan.
Staff also recommended allocating $1 million for roof repairs to improve the building’s exteriors.
The scope of work for this option includes:
“The mansard roof, the orange-peeling roof, is something that is just an eyesore when you go to the campus at the first walk-through,” Cummings said.
Hernandez emphasized the impact of the roof repair.
“The buildings look dilapidated, and it creates a very distinct and demoralized situation because the buildings look dilapidated,” he said. “It wasn’t asked for, but it has been mentioned every time I’ve toured the facility.”
According to the officials, the Courthouse Hill complex has surpassed its useful lifespan, prompting the need for immediate repairs.
Judges and staff have voiced the need for improvements to outdated infrastructure.
“The stakeholders have been extremely accommodating and looking at just what their needs are, not what their wants are,” Hernandez said.
“I’ve been extremely proud of the judges for coming together as a team to say, ‘We are willing to forego some of our needs today for a long-term plan.’”
The BoCC supported a $5.5 million renovation plan to address the aging infrastructure.
Commissioner Carolina Mejia stressed the need to prioritize roof repairs as part of the plan, while Commissioner Wayne Fournier pointed to the importance of securing long-term value for taxpayers.
Newly appointed Commissioner Rachel Grant noted the effort made by county staff to bring her up to speed on the project’s scope and advocated her support for the recommended plan.
Commissioner Emily Clouse praised staff for their responsiveness and for presenting cost-effective solutions to address the courthouse’s concerns.
In terms of public involvement, county officials outlined a strategy to engage stakeholders in the renovation process.
“The opportunity we’d have is at our next meeting on the 21st, where we would recommend the board’s consideration for a proclamation where stakeholders would come out and provide comments,” Hernandez said.
Commissioner Tye Menser stressed the importance of ensuring that the stakeholders, particularly judges, support the plan, noting that their input is essential to the project’s success.
County officials also proposed issuing a press release to keep residents informed and build public trust.
While no formal approval has been given, the direction from the BoCC allows staff to begin taking steps to move the project forward.
The next processes include:
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fyancey
Why would one support this effort? Granted there is a need to upgrade and restore, but the reality is that the county has not maintained the buildings over time but allowed them(note roof and gutters in particular ) to just deteriorate. Why support renovation if neglect is going to continue to be the county’s practice?
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