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Knox County readies budget work; commissioners flag courthouse elevator replacement and service-center finish work
Summary
Commissioners began the budget process for the next year, discussed a potentially costly courthouse elevator replacement likely to land in the 2026 capital program, and received an update on service-center lift delivery, signage and crosswalk coordination with the city.
County staff told commissioners Sept. 25 that the county's budget process will begin soon and that departments will start preparing salary and general-fund budgets in October. The update included capital planning work with IT and other departments.
Staff warned that the courthouse elevator presents a significant capital challenge: the existing elevator is small and old, removing the current motor and installing new equipment will be difficult, and the project may be considered for 2026 depending on scope and cost. "We've talked about the need for an elevator potentially at the courthouse, so we're still working through what that looks like," staff said.
The board also received a service-center update: a large lift was delivered and staff expect about a week to finish panels and another week to complete lift work and concrete pours before final site restoration. Staff said a small sign reading "Chestnut Street entrance" will be installed above a door pending city permitting.
On crosswalks and paving, staff said the county coordinated plans with the city to pair proposed crosswalk work on High Street with a city paving bid; as a result, the county project likely will move to next year so curbing and paving can be completed together.
What’s next: departments will receive budget instructions in October; county staff will continue engineering assessments for the elevator and finalize service-center finishing work and permitting.
