One item at the meeting was the report on the recently completed renovations at the Brockton Superior Courthouse. The project included upgrades such as LED lighting, new carpeting, wall painting, and lobby improvements, all of which garnered positive feedback from Judges O’Shea and Sullivan. The improved aesthetic and functionality of the courthouse were emphasized, with one commissioner describing the transformation as “unbelievable,” noting the shift from a dim environment to one filled with light and vibrant colors. This sentiment underscored the importance of upgrading older buildings, specifically highlighting the “good bones” of the Brockton courthouse, which required ongoing maintenance. The board also discussed upcoming renovations planned for the Warehouse District Courthouse, slated to begin in October, with further project details to be discussed with Judge Shakansky in September.

Attention then turned to administrative updates, particularly concerning the assistant administrator position. The job description had been widely advertised since early July, with 12 applications received. Although not all candidates were deemed qualified, the evaluation process was underway, with a finalist expected to be presented to the commissioners in September.

Financial matters were another focal point, particularly the county’s workers’ compensation cases. Two ongoing cases were reported to be costly, exceeding $100,000 in the past year for independent medical exams, surgeries, and attorney fees. The financial burden of these claims was noted, with the county being self-insured but lacking a self-loss gap insurance policy. A commissioner raised the question of whether such insurance might be cost-effective, prompting further exploration with the treasurer’s office.

The meeting also highlighted the county’s procurement success in vehicle bidding for fiscal year 2025, which resulted in a revenue delivery of $566,000 against an initial budget of $275,000. This achievement was attributed to the efforts of the project team in transforming the initiative into a customer-focused endeavor, fostering partnerships with various dealerships. The success has generated interest from other municipalities.

Additionally, the board addressed the Verizon cell tower lease, which had encountered pushback from Verizon regarding lease payments during a transition period. Negotiations culminated in securing higher lease payments while Verizon remains on the tower. The county also finalized a one-time payment of $76,000 to retain AT&T on the tower, with the potential for additional tenants following the lease with Boston South.

The board also approved a county tax of $1,873,286.70, in accordance with Massachusetts law, to be collected from the towns and city within the county. This tax is to be paid in installments due by November 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. The significance of this tax in the county’s finances was noted during the meeting.

In other updates, the Plymouth County booklet, produced biennially, was discussed. The commissioners commended Nancy for her role in coordinating the collection of information from 27 communities. The booklet’s production cost was approximately $2,500, and the commissioners expressed support for continuing this initiative, recognizing its value as a reference tool.

The meeting also included routine administrative approvals, such as the acceptance of CPS forms, vendor vouchers, and payroll vouchers, all of which passed unanimously. A focus on sick leave buybacks was noted for two retirees, Lynn J. Reynolds and Tammy Korea, with their respective payments approved without opposition.