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Hamilton County Commission discusses plan to relocate Recovery Court to East Annex; transportation, security raised
Summary
County officials and Recovery Court leaders discussed a resolution to authorize the county mayor to begin moving the Hamilton County Recovery Court from the MLK Building to the East Annex at 8395 Hickory Valley Road. Commissioners pressed staff on transportation for participants, security, timing and program needs; no formal vote was recorded.
The Hamilton County Commission on April 25 heard a presentation about Resolution 4 25-17, a measure to authorize the county mayor to initiate the physical transition of the Hamilton County Recovery Court from its offices at the MLK Building on Oak Street to the East Annex Building at 8395 Hickory Valley Road.
Commissioners and Recovery Court staff said the move would give the program a standalone facility better suited to growing in‑house treatment services. "We have about 90 participants now and we are bursting at the seams," Shannon Morgan, director of Recovery Court, said, adding that the team needs space for daily treatment and activities.
Commissioners pressed staff on practical issues that could affect participants' ability to attend sessions. Chief Roddy and other presenters said staff has been negotiating with CARTA and exploring alternatives, including CARTA Go passes, rideshare use and providing a program van with a part‑time driver. "Placing a new bus stop on that [site] is cost prohibitive according to CARTA," Chief Roddy said. He and Mike Kirk, director of property management, said the nearest existing bus stop is roughly 1.2 miles from the East Annex and that staff will outline transportation options in client orientation materials.
Commissioners also asked about building safety. Morgan said the county will install cameras, maintain current parking arrangements and provide security guards at the new site as is done at the MLK Building. Kirk said major mechanical issues in the East Annex have been resolved and that cosmetic renovations (carpet, paint) remain.
Staff estimated the earliest move would occur in late May or early June if the commission gives direction to proceed. Several commissioners said they support the move but urged staff to ensure transportation solutions during the program's most vulnerable period. Morgan and staff noted program data showing the highest attrition occurs in the first 90 days and credited a program navigator and improved orientation with lowering prior abscontion rates in the misdemeanor recovery court from about 44 percent to about 6 percent.
No formal vote or final action on 4 25-17 was recorded during the discussion; staff indicated the resolution will be before the commission for action next week.
