Hillsdale County commissioners approve court relocation to 25 Care Drive only if funding secured
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Summary
After months of study and debate over a $3.6 million renovation estimate, the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners approved an amended resolution naming 25 Care Drive as the future site for the 2B District Court — but only 'upon securing funding.' The budget committee will return with financing options.
The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners voted to designate 25 Care Drive as the intended new home for the 2B District Court, but only after adding an amendment requiring the county to secure funding before proceeding. The final passage of Resolution 26‑006 came after extended questioning about cost estimates, timeline and tenant impacts.
The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Doug in committee, follows a National Center for State Courts needs study and architect work that resulted in a professional‑fees authorization of $129,995. A preliminary renovation estimate provided by Swint Consulting Services put renovation costs at $3,566,127.
Commissioners pressed facilities staff about when drawings and cost estimates were delivered to the board. "When did we get the number?" one commissioner asked, noting attachments dated Oct. 2 and Oct. 29. Facilities staff said the committee had discussed the project after the numbers arrived, but several commissioners said the board should have been informed sooner.
Finance Director Derek told the board the county did not have capacity in its current revenue and expenditure structure to pay for a $3.6 million project without borrowing. "You'd have to borrow the funds," Derek said, describing a long‑term repayment scenario and noting the county's existing wage and benefit commitments.
Concerned about approving a move without a funding plan, one commissioner proposed and the board adopted an amendment to the resolution inserting the phrase "upon securing funding." The amendment passed 4‑1. The board then approved the amended resolution on a roll call vote, 3‑2 (yes: Wiley, Benton, Ingalls; no: Leininger, Collins).
The board directed the budget committee and the finance director to prepare a funding proposal, with the chair asking for a report at the next meeting. Commissioners discussed options including borrowing and a possible millage; finance staff said a precise repayment schedule and debt service estimate would be part of the follow‑up work.
The decision does not immediately start renovation work. Commissioners said next steps include formalizing funding options, determining the impact on current tenants such as Michigan Works Southeast and planning construction staging to minimize tenant disruption. The facilities director said the intent was to keep Michigan Works in place where feasible, but that some internal moves would likely be necessary for plumbing and ceiling access.
The amended resolution and the minutes record the board's direction that the budget committee return with a financing package and a plan for how the county would pay for the move before any final commitment to renovate 25 Care Drive.
