Old Courthouse Ad-Hoc Committee (Table) 10/22/26

The Old Courthouse Ad-Hoc Committee of Sumner County met on October 22, 2026. Members reported that courthouse holiday lights had been ordered for about $5,000, substantially below the previously discussed $16,000 estimate; the county will coordinate installation and timing with related holiday and November 14 events. The committee also discussed safety and logistics for a possible courthouse open house on November 14, including limiting public access to the first floor and arranging supervision, with further coordination assigned to staff. A short-form report is also to be prepared for presentation on November 2.

The committee reviewed an RFQ process for professional services to assess the old courthouse’s existing conditions, structure, and systems, then develop reuse options and potential funding strategies. Seven firms submitted proposals across three scopes, and EOA Architects received the highest ranking. Members passed a motion to approve the scores and recommendation and authorize contract negotiations with EOA; if negotiations are unsuccessful, staff will return to the committee with the next-ranked applicant. No contract price or project budget was stated. The proposed work schedule was described as approximately seven or eight months, and members emphasized defining timelines and managing the work deliberately.