Justice Center ramp snowmelt would cost $216k up front
Teton County is weighing a $216,714 electric snowmelt change order for the Justice Center’s King Street public stairs and accessible ramp, with estimated annual power costs of $4,125.
The King Street public entrance to the new Justice Center could get heated concrete on its stairs and accessible ramp for $216,714, plus an estimated $4,125 a year in electricity, according to the county’s snowmelt change order packet. The change order would add electric heating cables, not boilers or pumps, and would raise the construction contract from $92,519,331 to $92,736,045 with no change to the Sept. 1, 2028 substantial completion date.
This is the kind of winter access detail that matters more than it sounds. The alternative is once-daily early-morning snow removal by Parks and Rec, with no guarantee the stairs and ramp stay clear through a storm day, and the sheriff does not want bailiffs picking up the slack in the new building. Geothermal would use about a quarter of the electricity, but staff says it would cost about five times more to install and bring more mechanical maintenance.
Background
Owner Change Order #1 for the Justice Center snow melt system failed 2-3; Macker and Newcomb supported it for its safety, reliability, and environmental benefits, but the motion did not pass.
Latest: 2026-05-11 — Commissioners voted 2-3 against Owner Change Order #1 for the Justice Center snow melt project. Macker and Newcomb voted in favor, citing staff recommendations for safety, reliability, and environmental benefits. The motion failed, so the change order was not approved.
curated as of 2026-06-16
The 2026-2027 snow removal contract with Ridgeline Excavation, Inc. was approved at $103,983.38, with no price increase from the previous year, as part of a five-year agreement.
Latest: 2026-08-04 — Teton County Board of County Commissioners officially approves the 2026-2027 snow removal contract with Ridgeline Excavation, Inc. at the same price as the previous year, with zero-percent increase.
curated as of 2026-08-04
Teton County approved a five-year, inflation-adjusted contract with Ridgeline Excavation, Inc. for North Jackson snow removal, starting at $86,337.71 in year one, on August 4, 2026.
Latest: 2026-08-04 — Board of Commissioners approved five-year contract for North Jackson Snow Removal Project with Ridgeline Excavation, Inc. First-year cost set at $86,337.71.
curated as of 2026-08-04
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | Justice Center Snow Melt Change Order Agenda Packet | packet |