Miami County commissioners spent part of their June 25 budget study session discussing courthouse renovation, possible expansion for courtroom space, and whether to place a county sales tax on a future ballot to pay for large capital needs.

Commissioners questioned previous estimates and stressed the need for concrete numbers before asking voters for new tax authority. "The biggest feedback I heard from residents who voted no on it was they didn't have a number. They weren't confident," a commissioner said. One commissioner recommended setting a tangible target: "I have a recommendation. A 350 square foot, 15,000 square foot is $5,200,000 I say we set the target at 10,000,000, put a number out there that we would do a sales tax that would generate $10,000,000 figure out what that is, and make that our budget to renovate the courthouse." (transcript text adjusted for clarity)

Staff said an MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) study and an architect's probable‑cost estimate are needed to develop a reliable public cost figure. "The MEP study is gonna shed some light... part of what we're asking for is what is it coming to fix it," Lucas Mellinger said.

Commissioners also discussed timing for a ballot question. Staff noted deadlines for placing questions on county ballots and options including the November general election or a primary; commissioners indicated an interest in November timing to maximize turnout. "If we do it this November or November next year, whichever works out," one commissioner said. Another added, "I think it's fine to put it on this November because we've already spent quite a bit of time educating on it."

No final decision to place a tax question on a ballot was recorded. The board directed staff to pursue architect estimates, complete the MEP study, and provide cost scenarios and timelines for consideration at upcoming meetings; staff will also coordinate legal language should the board choose to pursue a ballot measure.