Board approves ~$375,000 appropriation to complete courthouse HVAC, inmate holding-cell and other items

Southampton County supervisors voted on Sept. 23 to appropriate approximately $375,000 from fund balance to complete several items in the courthouse project, including an upgraded HVAC system for the circuit court records room and the build‑out of inmate holding cells.

Staff and project representatives said the current records-room HVAC meets standard archival storage but does not satisfy the clerk of court’s desired environmental controls for very old and fragile records. County staff presented a less-expensive option than a full chiller system and said the proposed solution could be tweaked to approach the clerk’s desired humidity and temperature targets. The clerk’s letter and the judge’s support were cited in favor of proceeding.

Sheriff’s office representatives described operational difficulties because the courthouse lacks sufficient upstairs holding areas, requiring split holding and complicating courtroom operations. The sheriff urged completion of the holding‑cell build‑out so judges have inmates ready for proceedings.

Board members debated funding sources and whether to delay other budgeted projects; staff told the board the county’s fund balance was about $14 million and that small residual bond amounts and contingency funds could be used. After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved returning $375,000 from fund balance into the current-year budget to proceed with the listed improvements. Staff was asked to identify exact funding lines and any possible grant contributions and to report back on cost offsets.