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Commission examines moving county or courts to vacant bank building; ADA and historic-review issues raised
Summary
Commissioners discussed options to move county offices or the judicial system into a vacant bank at 102 North Second Street, noting the newer building may be easier to retrofit but that the current courthouse is historically designated and would require review; staff also flagged potential MDOT TAP sidewalk funding that could help make entrances ADA-compliant.
The Henry County Commission discussed potential relocation options for county offices and court functions on June 23, focusing on a vacant bank building at 102 North Second Street as a candidate site.
Commissioners and staff said the bank building appears more modern and may be easier to retrofit for judicial-security needs or county office space. Staff noted that the current courthouse is in a historic building and any significant renovation would require review by the local historical society, which could complicate upgrades needed for modern court security and ADA access.
Parking associated with the bank property, and the availability of a contiguous lot behind the building, were listed as assets. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of pursuing MDOT TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) funds to pay for sidewalk and entrance upgrades; a presenter explained TAP typically funds about 80% of eligible sidewalk work with a 20% local match and that calls for projects are periodic.
Why it matters: relocating judicial or county offices affects security, public access, and long-term capital planning. Historic-preservation review for the courthouse and the need to ensure ADA compliance are key constraints on any decision.
What’s next: staff will collect courthouse plans, examine square footage needs, reach out to local contractors for cost estimates and provide a preliminary cost-benefit analysis to the commission in the coming weeks.
