Hocking County closes courthouse after major water main break under old jail

Hocking County officials closed the county courthouse during an emergency meeting called at 8:25 a.m. after a major water main break beneath the old jail left portions of Main Street and Market Street without water.

The closure followed remarks by Speaker 1, a staff member, who said, "We had a major water main break this morning underneath the old jail. And because of that, we've had to shut off water to the courthouse. Currently, a lot of Main Street doesn't have water." Speaker 1 said the courthouse would remain closed "until further notice" because of sanitary and safety concerns.

Why it matters: the closure affects courthouse operations, scheduled interviews for a county sewer position and could force postponement of the regularly scheduled commissioners meeting set for 6 p.m. The county said it would try to provide an update by "1 o'clock or 2 o'clock at the latest" about whether evening business would proceed.

Officials described the problem as significant and potentially time-consuming. Speaker 1 said one shutoff valve is frozen and that city crews must excavate on Main and Market streets to reach the valves. "So it could be a lengthy process," Speaker 1 said. He also said, "Troy and our sewer department brought pumps this morning. And and you, Jason." Speaker 1 added that he had been in the basement of the old jail since about 6:30 a.m. and called the break "huge."

Speaker 2, a staff member, moved to close the courthouse at the emergency meeting. Speaker 1 seconded the motion, and Speaker 2 called for a voice vote; all present answered "Aye." The motion to close the courthouse was approved by that voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The transcript records questions about whether the prosecutor's office would have water. Speaker 1 said he had contacted that office "about 7 o'clock this morning, 6:45 or so. They're aware they may not have water," and said the county would work with the city water department on communications to businesses and residents, including the possibility of boil orders.

County staff said they planned to keep the public informed via social media and other channels and would attempt to confirm whether the 6 p.m. commissioners meeting could proceed. If repairs were not complete by early afternoon, officials said the evening meeting would likely be canceled and rescheduled.

At the end of the short emergency session, Speaker 1 moved to adjourn and Speaker 2 asked for a voice vote; those present answered "Aye." The meeting immediately adjourned.

The county did not provide a specific timeline for full restoration of water service in the transcript, nor did it provide a count of businesses affected. The city water department and city crews were identified as responsible for excavation and shutoff work; no additional legal or regulatory authorities were cited in the meeting record.