County Courthouse to Get New $300K Fire Alarm System

Nueces County Commissioners voted Thursday to hire Richter Architects to oversee the replacement of the county courthouse's fire alarm system. The system in use was installed when the building was built in 1977.

Fire department officials say it needs to be upgraded so all parts of the building are warned when there is a fire and a verbal warning for blind people is given. County Engineer Glen Sullivan estimated it would cost $300,000 or more.

The commissioners also agreed to increase the $2.1 million budget for renovations of the Juvenile Justice Center by $300,000. The extra money will pay for an addition that will increase security, according to County Judge Terry Shamsie. The addition will convert the center's two entrances into one and create room for a public waiting area separate from offenders.