Commissioners outline salvage list and storage options as old courthouse demolition advances

County staff reported the State Historical Society has completed step 3 of 5 toward approving demolition of the old courthouse and asked the commission to provide a list of architectural elements to salvage and a plan for a sign or plaque. Commissioners discussed hazardous, mold-damaged records in the basement that the state requires the county to keep in some cases and explored temporary storage options including climate-protected units or a locked shipping container at the county shop.

Why it matters: The building contains century-old chairs, jail doors and potentially records that must be retained under law. Commissioners emphasized that some materials may be historical artifacts suitable for display at a museum or for donation, while other materials (including confidential or legally required files) must be stored securely and may require preservation steps.

Next steps: The board asked department heads and historical society representatives to inventory items to keep, donate or dispose of. Staff suggested buying or renting a shipping container for secure storage and agreed to return with a plan and cost estimate at the next meeting. Commissioners also discussed outreach and whether some artifacts could be displayed in county facilities or loaned to the historical society.

Representative quote: The state's attorney said the files "have to come out and we're just gonna have to go through each box one by one," and warned that legal retention rules and mold contamination mean the process will require time and care.