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Scurry County OKs historical commission's push to secure old county jail, allows grant-seeking
Summary
Scurry County commissioners confirmed county ownership of the 1912 county jail and agreed to let the Scurry County Historical Commission pursue grants and donations to secure and restore the building, prioritizing temporary boarding of windows and structural stabilization.
Scurry County commissioners agreed on a course that keeps the county'owned historic jail intact and lets the Scurry County Historical Commission pursue outside funding to stabilize and restore the structure.
The motion, introduced by a commissioner during discussion of county property, directed the county to retain ownership of the old jail and permit the historical commission to apply for grants and solicit donations for security, flooring and window repair. Jean, identified in the meeting as chair of the Scurry County Historical Commission, urged the court to back preservation efforts.
"We need the court's backing because you guys are our guardians of our past as well as our future," Jean said, urging the county to prioritize securing the building so further vandalism does not occur. She described the structure as a 1912 building that retains architectural features linked to the courthouse and called for immediate actions to board windows and install flooring upstairs.
Commissioners clarified ownership during the discussion. One commissioner said the property "is owned by Scurry County," and the court confirmed it had not been formally transferred to any private group despite earlier involvement by Historic Scurry County Inc. The historical commission said it will pursue grants and donations rather than request direct taxpayer funding for initial securing work.
Court members discussed short-term measures such as boarding windows and repairing floors to prevent further deterioration while the commission pursues grant applications and donations. The court's action preserves the county's ownership and authorizes the historical commission to seek outside resources and take steps to secure the site.
The historical commission emphasized the jail's rarity and connection to the courthouse, noting that once such structures are lost, their physical context fades from public memory. The court did not commit county funds for a full restoration in the meeting record but approved allowing the commission to move forward with grant applications and donations to address immediate security and stabilization needs.
