Freestone County commissioners approve asbestos and lead study for courthouse restoration

Freestone County commissioners voted to contact a contractor to perform an asbestos and lead study for the regional county historical courthouse after bids for the restoration exceeded the original grant amount. Presiding official said the county received an email Friday asking for an "additional $480" because bids came in higher than the grant allowed. "Motion carried," the presiding official said after a motion and second to seek bids for the study.

Commissioners were told the county must submit a request for additional funding by Dec. 1 and that a decision on the request is expected on Jan. 31. The meeting record shows discussion of the funding shortfall and the study only; no construction contract award or additional appropriations were approved at the meeting. The county did not specify which contractor will be contacted, the total revised cost of the restoration, or which grant program provided the original funds.