NEW CUMBERLAND — After approving its bid earlier this month, the Hancock County Commission has approved a contract with a local business to upgrade security systems at the Hancock County Courthouse.

Officials also noted efforts are ongoing to repair the courthouse’s heating/ventilation/air conditioning system, with commissioners approving a letter of support to apply for a grant to help fund the work.

Commissioners approved the contract with Advanced Security Technology, of Chester, for the installation of new camera and panic alarm systems for the courthouse.

“This is the contract,” noted Commission President Eron Chek. “Last meeting, we approved the bid.”

The contract comes to a total cost of $181,067.25, broken down to $134,667.25 for materials and $46,400 for labor.

The security system includes the installation of 91 cameras, both indoor and outdoor, of varying types, along with licensing, software, camera mounts, and other support infrastructure, while the panic alarm system includes an operational license, 65 wireless panic buttons, seven wireless hubs, bakup battery systems and an alarm panel setup.

The letter of support is part of an application for funding to the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority, with the goal of funding repairs to the HVAC system.

“We had an air conditioner fail,” Chek said. “It’s an emergency.”

The letter from the commission refers to the courthouse as “a vital hub for civic, legal, and administrative services, accommodating thousands of residents, employees and visitors each year.”

It calls the courthouse’s existing HVAC system “significantly outdated,” noting the failure has resulted in “extreme indoor temperatures, reduced air quality, and safety concerns for both the public and staff.”

County Administrator John Klee noted repairs are underway to the HVAC system.

“They’re expecting them to be completed next week,” he said during Thursday’s commission meeting.

If awarded, the grant would assist in reimbursing the costs of the repairs.