Architect finds damage in courthouse cupola; fiscal court orders emergency plan and temporary fencing

Boyle County’s architect reported new and significant structural deterioration in the courthouse dome and cupola during a recent site visit, and the fiscal court on March 24 instructed staff to treat the condition as an emergency and act quickly to protect the public.

Reading a summary of the architect’s email, a magistrate said the firm found damage to structural members on levels 4 and 5 and recommended removing the compromised pieces and repairing them off‑site. "There has been a fair amount of damage to the existing members, and we think that this portion may have to be removed and worked on off‑site," the magistrate read to the court.

Court members agreed immediate steps were necessary. The court asked staff to obtain quotes for temporary fencing or barriers, coordinate with city officials because the park area is jointly owned, and prepare an emergency plan to remove and secure the damaged elements. Several magistrates emphasized the liability risk and asked that the area be roped off as soon as possible.

Judge Trillie L. Bottom said she would work with staff to obtain vendor quotes and directed the county engineer and facilities team to develop a plan to bring back for implementation. The court discussed pursuing bonding for the larger repair project but prioritized the immediate removal and site‑security work to reduce the risk of injury or property damage.

Next steps: staff will request temporary‑fencing quotes, coordinate with the city regarding the park boundary, and return with a recommended scope and cost for emergency removal and stabilization.