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The Chambers County Courthouse is getting an overhaul in renovations this year. The project, which began at the beginning of the year, was put out to bid in the last several weeks.

At Monday’s commission meeting, County Engineer Josh Harvill presented the commission with a bid from Whatley Construction of Opelika. The commission approved the $2,751,000 contract for several renovations and settled on several smaller alternate improvements. 

The commission has contracted with JMR+H Architecture firm in Montgomery to help make the plans for the renovations. They approved the bid based on recommendations by JMR+H and County Engineer Josh Harvill. 

Some of the major improvements include replacing sections of the roof, replacing and upgrading multiple HVAC systems, repairing ten windows and installing automated doors at the east and west public entrances to the courthouse. 

Other smaller improvements, some of which were approved at the commission meeting on Monday, repairing the stone and marble entryways to the courthouse, repairing exterior doorways and painting wood surfaces and installing hands-free toilets, urinals and faucets.

The approved bid would leave $241,229.50 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for other projects or unforeseen costs for the courthouse projects. The next step for the commission is a 30-day period to execute the project for construction.

HVAC systems are the most immediate need as some units are not working currently. Harvill said that soon after the bids go through the units can be ordered soon after. Commission Chairman, James Williams, said some parking around the court will be limited during the installation of the units.

The Chambers County Courhouse Annex in Lanett will also have some work done to it. Probate Judge Paul Story said they are taking down the bars and some of the wood from the till windows at the Probate Office. The windows will be closed one at a time, so that two windows will be open to the public while work is being done. It is estimated that the work will only take part of a day.