1991 - 01-07-91 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 ecow 13 rs 533 facilities. Commissioner Paschal and he are ready to move forward with these plans. Commissioner Matthews still has some reservations, which primarily deal with the lack of utilizing the old courthouse building. Commissioner Cox's position was originally somewhat the same, but as the plans developed, it occurred to him that all employees could be facilitated in a new building cheaper than accommodating them in an old building. It is purely economics that he supports not using the old building. Also, aesthetically it will be more pleasing to remove the building. The Committee of three stands as two being in favor of proceeding to the next step, which is a comfort level with the Board of Commissioners to look at the plans with the Committee, the Clerk of Court, the Register of Deeds, the Sheriff, some lawyers, and anyone else who may wish to express their concern, bringing the results of that meeting back to the Board of Commissioners. As he has told Commissioner Matthews, the majority of the Committee wishes not to veto anything nor to vote on something final. The architect needs to proceed. The architect indicated that after the Board gives him approval to move with the plan, it will be a year before the plan can be bidded upon. Therefore, Commissioner Cox wishes to proceed with the review involving these other individuals. Commissioner Matthews stated that since the courthouse has been put on the historic books, she understands that it cannot be destroyed. County Attorney Hoyle stated that he is not sure. Commissioner Matthews asked the County Attorney to investigate the status of this. The people felt when the bond was passed it was with the concensus of most people that it would involve the renovation of the courthouse facilities. The superior courtroom is in good condition. There should be ways of attaching this structure with a new building and still use the existing facility. Also, the vaults in the Clerk of Court and Register of Deeds Offices are quite costly to build, and they could be utilized. The people voted thinking that the County would renovate the present courthouse. Also, if the courthouse is on the historic books, it cannot be demolished. Commissioner Matthews feels that the general concensus of the people would be to keep that building usable. The money would have to be spent. Why spend it in other ways, since the public thinks it will be used for courtroom purposes as it has in the past? Commissioner Wicker asked Commissioner Cox if he said to demolish the old courthouse. Commissioner Cox stated that he recommended demolishing the 1956 addition. The courthouse would go back to its original shape and configuration, if the building is not currently designated as historical. Chairman Stafford stated that could be two separate questions. County Attorney Hoyle stated that demolishing the wing and leaving the original structure could be two different matters. Commissioner Cox stated that the original building would not be altered, except to do some changes inside to make it more useable. 8