06. Tax Equalization Office remodel

211 9th Street South , Fargo, ND 58103 | www.casscountynd.gov Administration Telephone: 701-241-5770 Fax: 701-241-5776 wilsonro@casscountynd.gov MEMO TO: County Commission FROM: Robert W. Wilson Date: August 15, 2023 Subject: Equalization Office Remodel __________________________________________________________________________________ On August 21st the Building Committee and Commission will consider a proposal from TL Stroh Architects to draft remodel plans for the Cass County Equalization Office. The 2023 budget includes $55,000 for remodeling current or new office space for the office. Conversation about updating the Equalization Office space began more than a year ago, was put on hold, and then revived during this summer’s budget conversations. Recently I have worked with Paul Fracassi and Gene Gartner to reevaluate the office needs and growth projections and recommend a course of action for Building Committee and Commission action. Identifying the right location for current and future need of the Equalization Office is balanced with several other facility needs in the 1st Floor south end of the Courthouse. Factors include: • Sheriff’s Office Court Transport offices are currently located across the hall from the current location of the Equalization Office. • The old commission chambers just south of the Court Transport Offices and ‘living room’ immediately adjacent to the Court Transport Offices are currently underutilized and could be repurposed. • An overall update of the Courthouse space needs study (south end of 1st floor) has been discussed to better accommodate high traffic offices. The Equalization Office currently has five employees. Relocating this office directly across the hall to include the ‘living room’, the Court Transport offices and approximately ¼ of the old commission chambers will give the department a better office layout and gives them space to grow (when needed). This option is described the graphics attached to the proposed agreement. An alternative was considered that is very similar to the recommended option, except it does not include the portion of the former commission chambers described above. This option would meet all current office needs but does not provide any space for Equalization Office growth if and when it may be needed. If the Commission approves the recommended office relocation the Sheriff Court Transport Office could relocate across the hall to the current Equalization Office location. If the Building Committee recommends approval of this proposal to draft plans and relocate the Equalization Office, the Commission will consider the same proposal later that afternoon. Mr. Gartner estimates the remodel portion of this project can be completed within the budgeted $55,000. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) will be an additional expense. Options will include – either moving the existing furniture across the hall and set up the office with current equipment or consider a budget adjustment to fully outfit the office at the time of construction completion.