The Marion County Board has agreed to enter into a no-cost review of all needed building improvements at the courthouse, public service building, and law enforcement center.
Building management firm Ameresco will complete the review as the first step of what could become a master plan for needed improvements that could be
completed in phases over the coming years.
The county board also agreed to the concept of entering into a $20,000 contract with Bellweather to provide assistance on financing projects and which can be paid for through the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Recovery Fund. However, they could not take final action because the item had been accidentally left off the agenda.
County Board Building Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel made the motion to move forward with Ameresco.
“With Ameresco looking at infrastructure and hopefully working with Bellweather and with the coordination with these companies working with the county should give us more clarity and also the ability for us to do some planning that otherwise might be hard for us to do.”
If the county moves forward, Ameresco will give the county a cost for each project that will not be exceeded. If it is, Ameresco will pick up the difference.
Ameresco was recommended by Salem Community High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering which has used the firm for a number of years. The national company has done projects for other counties, including historic buildings such as the Marion County Courthouse and in county jails. Ameresco would hire all contractors and oversee all projects.
County Board Chair Debbie Smith is excited to get a plan in place and Ameresco’s emphasis on working with local contractors.
Bellweather Principal Bruce DeLashmit says they have hired two people to comb through the federal coronavirus recovery fund rules to help counties determine what projects are allowed and not allowed for funding under the program.
If there is a need for Bellweather’s Service before the July meeting, a special full county board meeting could be called.
