Budget committee identifies about $299,000 for courthouse ADA work and 488-space parking project

A committee member on the Houston County budget committee said the group has identified potential funding sources totaling about $299,000 to pay for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance work and a 488-space parking project at the county courthouse.

The committee member said, "The amount of money we need is $299,000," and then provided a breakdown of funds the county could draw on: roughly $20,000 from a settled lawsuit at the EMS building; $120,000 received from a gas company tied to work in the industrial park (described as not restricted); a $200,000 grant currently designated for the Armory that the county could repurpose; and about $125,000 available from impact funds if needed.

Committee members said those sources together would cover most or all of the cost, and that local officials are also pursuing state support. The speaker said several offices are pressing for full state funding (the transcript named "Mr. greedy," "Senator Hagry's office" and Representative Rey), and added that obtaining state money would allow the county to preserve other local funds for separate priorities.

The committee member emphasized the county can afford the project without state assistance but would prefer a state allocation to avoid tapping county reserves. Members discussed timing: the group would not commit county funds or make payments until the end of the project when funding sources are clear and, if state money arrives, the county could seek reimbursement when applicable.

The budget committee scheduled further budget work beginning March 24 at 6 p.m., with reviews proceeding in numerical sequence starting with the county commission and the mayor's office. The committee did not take a formal vote on funding for the courthouse project at this meeting; members agreed to continue pursuing funding sources and to move the project forward in planning.