Champaign County facilities staff told the Facilities Committee that a planned digital controls (building automation system) upgrade for the courthouse came in at an estimated $564,000 — substantially below the $800,000 estimated in the current budget.

Chris Smith, facilities staff, told the committee the estimated Ameren incentive for the project is $330,000 and the project is expected to reduce annual electric and gas costs by about $192,000. Smith said the county will incur an ongoing annual software fee of $3,080 for the new controls but that, based on the incentive and savings estimates, the project’s payback is expected to be less than two years.

Installation has begun ramping up, and Smith said the contractor hopes to have the controls installed and operational by June 2026, though delivery times for parts remain a schedule risk. Smith said this work is an ARPA‑planned project and that staff confirmed parts availability appears adequate at present.

Committee members asked about replicating similar controls upgrades at other county buildings; staff said the courthouse is the oldest system and would provide the largest immediate impact, while other buildings will be assessed as part of ongoing maintenance and capital planning.

Speakers in the discussion included Chris Smith and committee members. Staff said the project was already budgeted under ARPA and that the lower bid will reduce near-term capital pressure.