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Commissioners approve removing justice court space from new circuit courthouse to cut costs
Summary
To reduce costs on the circuit courthouse and public safety building, Morrow County commissioners agreed to remove the planned justice court/judicial square footage from the new facility; staff said the change could save about $2.5 million and that Judge Deal is comfortable remaining in the historic courthouse
The Morrow County Board of Commissioners voted to remove planned justice court space from a new circuit courthouse and related public safety facility as part of value‑engineering efforts to keep the project under a $35 million target.
County staff said the design team offered several value‑engineering options after an April meeting. Staff recommended pulling most of the proposed judicial square footage from the new building; the county has negotiated percentage‑based contracts with the state and staff said removing the space immediately would reduce projected costs by about $2.5 million.
County Administrator Matt told commissioners he has spoken with Judge Deal, who said he is comfortable remaining in the historic county courthouse while the new facility is reconfigured. Matt said the decision to eliminate the justice court shell was intended to keep the new project lean while preserving operational efficiency for other functions in the new building and coordinating court scheduling in the historic courthouse.
A motion to remove the justice court space was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Staff said they will continue with further value engineering to remain under the $35 million budget target and will return with more detailed cost estimates and next steps as the project proceeds.
