Commission discusses options for county archives storage; building vs. renovation debated

County officials debated several options for relocating Carter County’s archives, which have been stored at TCAT and other temporary locations, and discussed costs and suitability for archival standards.

Speakers said the TCAT location has leaks and limited long‑term suitability. Commissioners and staff discussed three primary options: build a new climate‑controlled archival facility on county‑owned land, buy and renovate an existing building (previously offered to archives but turned down), or adapt the second floor of the old jail (the renovated upper floor used by the sheriff’s training simulator).

Participants noted state support might cover as much as 75% of costs for a properly designed archives facility and discussed approximate footprints and construction features — examples included a 4,000‑square‑foot insulated steel building with climate control. Commissioners said building new on county land avoids a purchase cost and provides long‑term climate control and security.

Concerns were raised about structural load for archives if placed on the second floor of the old jail and about the ongoing costs and logistics of maintaining collections currently stored in multiple trailers and rooms. Staff suggested the building & grounds committee perform a feasibility assessment and provide recommendations, including cost estimates and timelines.

No formal motion was recorded; commissioners instructed staff to add the archives location/feasibility as an agenda item for building & grounds and to seek more precise cost estimates.