Troublesome elevators in the Ward County Courthouse could mean more expense and a costly replacement in 2026.

Facilities Management Supervisor Brian Vangsness met with the Ward County Commission Tuesday to update commissioners and request budgeting his department’s year-end carryover funds for an elevator replacement next year.

Vangsness said he expects to carry over $167,000, which would go a long way toward a new elevator, likely to cost more than $180,000 based on one quote received.

Vangsness had visited with the commission earlier in the year about problems with the Courthouse elevator that were resulting in regular repair bills. Meanwhile, a second elevator servicing the jail now has been out of commission for about a month, waiting for repair.

Vangsness voiced his frustration with the company that holds the elevator maintenance contract, citing the delay in making repairs and an ongoing lack of communication.

As the county prepares to consider bids for replacing the main Courthouse elevator, the question arose regarding whether the current maintenance contract, which covers the existing Otis elevators, would cover a different elevator model if purchased from another company. The commission and Vangsness discussed whether to find the repair company in breach of contract so the county can move on.

State’s Attorney Roza Larson advised documenting incidents of unresponsiveness or poor response before giving notice of breach of contract.

The commission also received information that The Tracks in Minot will be going back on county tax rolls due to default on its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentive.

The City of Minot approved the five-year TIF, which also impacted tax collections for other taxing entities. The TIF diverted the amount that would be paid on taxes on improvements to go toward public features of the new development.

Minot city assessor Ryan Kamrowski told commissioners that the extent of completed public features currently is being investigated, but it is known the project does not meet the requirement to remain off the 2024-2025 tax rolls.

“There have been, potentially, some public improvements made that would offset the cost of the 2023 valuation on the property,” he said.

The stalled project was to include multi-use buildings and public improvements, including two public plazas, a parking garage and other public amenities. Ground was broken in the fall of 2022 on the Maverick building, which has been constructed.