Commission discusses and approves moving clerk, juvenile services and veterans offices to former electric building

Benton County commissioners voted to give permission for three county offices — the county clerk, juvenile services and the veterans service officer — to relocate to the former Benton County Electric System building at 115 South Church Street in Camden. The property committee-sponsored resolutions opened after discussion about space needs, privacy and minor repairs needed at the building.

The moves, proponents said, would place high-traffic services in one location, free up space in other county buildings and create a drive-up window for quick transactions. Juvenile Services Director Beth Jackson told the commission the new layout would provide “privacy is a big issue for us” and allow families to use a coded back door rather than entering through public courthouse areas.

Commissioner Lashley, who helped craft the permission language, said the resolutions were written to grant permission only if the relocation is feasible and without causing undue cost, adding that staff told her the space could function “as is” until further upgrades are made. Commissioner Powell and others argued the building’s location and a drive-up window make it a practical site for the clerk’s public transactions and for colocating veterans and other services. Several commissioners recommended minor pre-move repairs — ceiling work, paint, carpet and a security glass partition — before any occupancy.

Opponents urged caution. One commissioner asked the board to postpone moves until other potential spaces become available (for example a bank building that may become vacant); that motion to delay did not receive a second. Commissioner Bain and others said the county already owns the former electric building and should make use of existing assets rather than acquire new property.

Votes recorded in the meeting transcript: the clerk office relocation was moved by Commissioner Keane and seconded by Commissioner Bain (motion carried); the Juvenile Services move was discussed at length and then approved, with juvenile director Beth Jackson stating she supported the relocation. The veterans office relocation was also presented by the property committee and called for a vote; no public objections were recorded during the discussion. The resolutions included instructions that renovations be limited and that usability be confirmed before a move.

The discussion included several practical clarifications: the building has a coded back entrance, a room described as a vault for secure storage, new central heat and air units, and some localized water-damage repair spots that property committee members said should be fixed before moving furniture. Commissioners asked staff to obtain estimates for small repairs and carpeting before any relocation occurs.

The commission’s action gives departments permission to relocate if the offices find the building meets operational needs; specific moves, renovation contracts and schedules will be handled by county staff and appropriate committees.

The meeting record shows the topic was discussed during property-committee items and during individual resolutions for each office.