Chilton County sets courthouse move timeline; new courthouse to open June 2

The Chilton County Commission set a timeline to relocate county operations to the new courthouse on Robert Thirkell Drive and discussed logistics for security, signage and public notice. Commissioner Childress outlined the schedule: road paving and site work began, departments may start moving long-term storage April 21, court AV installations begin May 18 and are expected to take two weeks, final furniture delivery is May 22, and the building will open for county operations Tuesday, June 2. The existing courthouse will close to operations May 26–29 to effect the move.

"We will open the courthouse for operations on June 2," Commissioner Childress said. The commission discussed signage and online notices to inform the public of the new location, security coverage while staff move, limited janitorial services during the transition, and coordinating with the judge and court staff to handle emergent cases during the changeover.

Nut graf: The commission approved move dates and directed staff to coordinate deliveries, security, and public notices to minimize disruption. Commissioners emphasized careful staging — including last furniture deliveries and limited building access — to prevent damage and maintain court operations as needed.

The chair and department staff said they will prepare signage, update the county website, and arrange moving logistics and temporary storage as departments transition. No formal additional funding for the move was approved at the meeting; the chair said he would return with a cost estimate and a resolution request for moving expenses if needed.