Commissioners say east probate office not closed; County continues Annex 2 renovation and relocation planning

Commissioner Costanza told the Montgomery County Commission that the county is working to relocate and reopen services for the East probate office and that the facility is not being closed permanently. He said the county is pursuing several options—renovation and lease of renovated space or leasing already-renovated space—and staff are working to find a location that meets service and safety needs.

"If you've read any of the 412 comments on Facebook about the closing of the East Probate office, I just want to encourage everybody that… it’s not being closed," Commissioner Costanza said, adding that some services are available at the county's other probate locations and online.

Costanza said the county has discussed renovating space to lease, leasing renovated space, or building new space, and that options previously off the market had since returned, so staff continue to evaluate alternatives. He asked residents to use the other probate locations while the county finalizes a brick-and-mortar solution. He specifically told residents they can use three other locations: downtown (the courthouse location), McGee Road, and the Airbase/Fairview location; he also noted many probate services can be completed online.

Commissioner Sankey requested an update on Annex 2 renovations. A county staff member reported that work is focused on the first floor, that Elections has moved into 150 Dexter, and that appraisal staff have moved to the second floor of Annex 2 after a period in Annex 1. The contractor Stahlins and Sons was named as leading the construction work; staff said the contractor had been given a target completion in time for Thanksgiving and that the county now expects to have everyone back in place by the end of the year, noting the project is ahead of the original schedule.

Chairman Singleton addressed the public concern directly and took responsibility for delays, saying, "The probate office closing was my fault. I dropped the ball on that. Faulkner gave us plenty of notice… I will say that, going forward, that we're gonna expedite the process and get it done because it's important to people".

Commissioners praised staff for their work on relocations and renovations and asked that the county expedite the process to reduce inconvenience for residents in north and east parts of Montgomery County. No formal vote was taken on the probate relocation during the meeting; the discussion resulted in direction to continue evaluating leasing and renovation options and to post updates online for public awareness.

The commission adjourned after closing remarks.