A two-phase proposal from DLR Group to construct a new office building for Pinal County operations and raze old buildings as they are vacated has encountered resistance from the Board of Supervisors.
Vice Chairman Jeff Serdy told fellow Board members March 9th he would prefer to see several different proposals brought forward for consideration. He also expressed resistance to leveling the current offices for a new “sterile” building.
Pinal had spent $7M renovating the current historic office space following the Board expansion in 2012.
DLR Group’s stated goal in proposing the new structure was to integrate it with the existing courthouse while providing up-to-date space and technology solutions.
Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh recommended a total change of perspective in developing a new space solution, one that incorporates post-pandemic remote work and provides greater flexibility.
DLR representatives and County staff pointed out how expensive it would be to renovate and modernize the old buildings and the fact the County currently spends $400K/year in extra energy costs for two of the buildings in the current complex. Safety, security and energy efficiency are ongoing concerns, according to staff, as is the need for room to expand as Pinal County continues to grow.
In the end, no action was taken. (Source)