Marshall County approves relocation of district attorney's office to courthouse first floor; DA to fund renovations

Marshall County commissioners on Oct. 8 approved a plan to relocate the district attorney's office to the first floor of the Marshall County Courthouse, a move the DA's office said will consolidate staff and victim services and allow for updated renovations paid by the DA's office.

"We have very limited space in the courthouse as it currently exists," District Attorney Jennifer Bray said in her presentation to the commission, noting the DA's office operates about 3,500 square feet on the second floor and has a staff of 26 spread across multiple county buildings. "It's always been my goal for us all to be in one space where we can really have this cohesive office...which I think will make us a better office to prosecute criminals and to assist victims in the criminal justice system."

Bray and Revenue Commissioner Michael Dotson told commissioners the plan would require the revenue office to vacate the mapping and appraisal side on or before Jan. 1, 2026, and the tax-collection side on or before July 1, 2026. That schedule, Bray said, includes a cushion to allow the DA's office time to solicit contractors and public-works bids and complete necessary renovations.

Commissioners discussed logistical matters including storage, temporary space needs for the board of equalization, and moving the county's drug unit out of the annex. Blake (inspections) and other staff offered to assist with relocations. Bray said the DA's office plans to pay for the renovation and expects the move and consolidation to improve office efficiency and victim services.

The commission approved the relocation motion unanimously (4-0). Next steps identified in the meeting include confirming contractor procurement and formalizing the vacate dates for the revenue commissioner's office.

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