Marshall County Courthouse Renovations Get a Continuance
Completion Date Pushed Back to Late October Due to Supply Chain Issues
Photo by Shelley Hanson Trending
MOUNDSVILLE - Renovations to the Marshall County Courthouse are ongoing, with a new anticipated completion date of Oct. 28, said Marshall County Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel.
The $6.7 million project is "going well," she said, but because of supply chain issues the completion date was moved further out. It originally was anticipated to be finished sometime in July.
Some of the items contractor SQP Construction Group Inc. of St. Albans is waiting on include an electrical panel, a generator and units for the HVAC on the courthouse roof.
Still, there is plenty of work to do until those items become available. Much electrical work already has been completed related to the new HVAC system. Ceiling replacement work related to HVAC ductwork installation also is underway.
Scaffolding on the exterior of the building is related to the work being done to create a new security entrance to the courthouse.
"It will be a permanent security area there. ... It will be very professional," she said, noting previously the area looked piecemeal.
On busy court days, the entrance often became congested because of the security measures in place as people entered the building. The new entrance should alleviate that issue.
"Security is not going away," she said.
Frohnapfel said this project is the first major renovation of the courthouse since an addition was constructed in 1972.
"It's not a fun project - replacing HVAC and electric with this many employees and visitors. ... We kicked the can down the road and we've got to do it now," she said. "The employees have been great. They've been dealing with a lot. The visitors have been understanding.
"Most of the work is being done in the evening, but not all of it."
Frohnapfel anticipates the project's final price tag will remain close to its original bid cost.
"It will be about that. We have some change orders, but we don't have too much right now," she said.
Marshall County Commission President Mike Ferro said another supply chain issue is related to the steel beams needed for the exterior of the new security entrance.
"We're waiting on the steel beams to get there. Once the beams come in you will see progress being made there," he said. "Behind the scenes in the courthouse, the HVAC and electrical work is going well."
Ferro noted the county did not have to secure any bonds or borrow any money to make the project, which began last July, happen because it has been "very prudent" with its money during the past few years.
Ferro said the upgrades to the building's electrical system are aimed at helping support whatever technology is used there in the future.
"I think it's important for any county government or state government to want their legacy to continue to those who follow for years to come. It's very important for the citizens and workers," he said.