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4 . Re - assignment of Space to Courts Function . The planned 25 , 000 square <br /> foot expansion of the existing courthouse is slated for completion in late <br /> 2007 . County offices in downtown Hillsborough would systematically be <br /> assigned to court functions as needs dictate and as new county facilities <br /> are brought on line , in order to provide future court operation needs . <br /> 5 . Green Building Practices . The County has for several years integrated <br /> green building practices into new construction and renovations alike . A <br /> basic premise of the recommendations of this report is that green - building <br /> practices will continue to be integrated as appropriate . Further , a policy <br /> will be brought forward for Board consideration that would further <br /> institutionalize the practices . <br /> 6 . Cost estimates . Project recommendations within this report are <br /> accompanied by a cost estimate that utilizes cost guidance from recently <br /> designed buildings for Orange County . Projects nearing the <br /> commencement of their development timeline should be thoroughly <br /> assessed for accuracy of the cost estimate in order to avoid budget shock <br /> at such time bids are solicited . <br /> Criteria for Tier Level Placement <br /> As was the case with the 2000 study , the following criteria were observed when <br /> placing projects within a designated Tier level . <br /> 1 . Overcrowded facility . The present facility is significantly overcrowded . <br /> 2 . Growth and no recent new space . The Department has been allocated no <br /> additional space to accommodate significant employee growth or <br /> increases in service demands . <br /> 3 . Improved service and /or collaboration . Carrying out the recommendation <br /> will provide significant opportunities for improved service delivery and /or <br /> collaboration among like-function departments within County government . <br /> 4 . Reduced rental costs/ Carrying out the recommendations will provide the <br /> opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of, or eliminate the need for <br /> existing property for which the County currently pays rent . <br /> 5 . Long -standing need . The initiative is a long - standing need with <br /> considerable pubic support . <br /> Functional Groupings <br /> The functional groupings based on related service functions or like client base , <br /> remained fairly consistent with the 2000 report . However, three new categories <br /> were created to reflect the organization changes that have occurred . <br />