The size of the county's proposed administration building has been reduced about 4,000 square feet in an effort to bring the anticipated cost closer to the budgeted amount. The Warren County Commission met with representatives from Treanor Architects and Septagon, the design firm and project manager, respectively, and reviewed a revised preliminary design that included some cost-saving measures. By the time the meeting was over, the project cost was believed to be within $500,000 over the $6 million budgeted amount. This week's meeting followed a presentation made last week when Septagon provided a cost estimate that was $2 million over budget. Septagon's figure of $8,524,129.16 was substantially higher than the projected cost of $6,880,495 presented by Treanor on Nov. 5, 2009. Most of the difference focused on construction costs, specifically the basement level of the two-story building which would house the health department, emergency management operations and provide archive space for each department. During this week's meeting, Treanor presented a facility with the similar design but downsized to 36,071 square feet. Treanor's prior building size was 40,733 square feet. "Hopefully we're back to reality," Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner said. While the commissioners had been hesitant in reducing the square footage, they feel a workable solution was reached Tuesday. They acknowledged that Treanor and Septagon representatives also appeared to be communicating better after concerns were raised that a budgeted amount had not been known until last week. A more detailed cost estimate is expected to be available within the next couple of weeks when the project is discussed again. "We came a long ways today," Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage said. "We are all on the same page." Sharon Schmitz, of Treanor, said she has had several "brainstorm" sessions with Nick Smith, of Septagon, to find cost-saving measures within the building. While some of the interior design ideas were toned down, the overall building design will undergo only minor changes, as a costly glass tower will be removed. In addition, architects shrunk the exterior of the building by cutting 4 feet off the north wall, 10 feet off the east wall and 6 feet off the north wall where the health department will be. The areas that were mostly impacted by the smaller building size focused on lobbies, a mail room and the hallway corridor width that decreased from 8 feet to 6 feet. Also, the space between the floors was reduced to 13 feet, 4 inches from 14 feet. Schmitz said all the work stations in each office will remain intact. "We have enough flexibility where we don't need to stop and we don't have to redo any major design work," said Dennis Paul, Septagon president. One of the cost savings Schmitz presented Tuesday was providing a shelled space for the health department and emergency management, but not completing each office as previously presented. The commissioners indicated the health department could stay in the courthouse if it was needed to keep the project more aligned with the budget. The commissioners also are optimistic the county will receive an approximately $400,000 grant to outfit the emergency management operations located in the basement. It's likely the county will seek alternate bids on both offices when that process begins to see if those expenses can be included. Some of the highlighted changes include eliminating the north driveway off Highway 47 and removing an outside walkway to the health department. The commissioners believe the decision to shut off outside access to the health department will provide more accessible parking for visitors closer to the main entrance. It will also force all visitors to enter the lobby on the main floor as well. One of the more costly components that remains in the plan, based on the commissioners' preference, is for a metal roof, although a high-grade asphalt shingle roof was presented. The commissioners also remain interested in using a geothermal option for heating and cooling the new facility though the upfront cost is expected to be more expensive. It's expected the system will pay for itself in around 25 years through energy cost savings. With $300,000 estimated for furniture, fixtures and equipment, the commissioners believe they can eliminate most of the budget since the majority of the office furniture will be relocated. They said they would revisit those funding needs once the offices are moved. The new government building, to be located on South Highway 47 off Mockingbird Lane, will be constructed on approximately 3 acres the county purchased for $500,069 last year. The facility will house all non-court related offices. The building was expected to be finished by the fall, but due to a delay in the design process, the opening won't likely occur until next summer at the earliest.