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Dodge County commissioners consider replacing courthouse after feasibility study
Summary
At a July 18 called meeting, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners reviewed a consultant feasibility study and four options for the county courthouse, with consultants and two commissioners saying a one-story replacement (Option 4) appears most cost-effective; a citizen opposed demolition. No final action on demolition or construction was taken.
The Dodge County Board of Commissioners on July 18 reviewed a consultant study and four options for the county courthouse, with consultants and county officials saying a one-story replacement appears most cost-effective.
Parrish Construction Group presented its feasibility findings to the board at the Pearl Bates Courthouse Annex, reporting significant deterioration in the existing building and an estimated cost of about $10 million for a new judicial building. Vice‑Chair Brian Watkins said the county’s working goal is to lower that estimate to roughly $8 million and that Parrish will perform more detailed programming to identify possible space reductions and redundancies to control costs.
Chairman Dan McCranie pressed consultants on material quality, particularly roofing and HVAC, and emphasized a desire for a durable structure with long warranties; Parrish said it would propose quality products and warranty options for the board to consider. Commissioners Sharon Cobb Flanagan and Watkins reviewed a cost-per-square-foot analysis of four options and highlighted “Option 4,” which would demolish the old courthouse and construct a new administrative building, as the most cost-effective approach in their calculations.
During the public comment period, resident Terry Coleman questioned why the courthouse, which had been vacated after remediation work, would be demolished and said the building remains usable and historically significant. Parrish responded by citing its feasibility study, which it said documents damaged concrete, rusted steel, a failing roof and deterioration of wood trim and windows that contribute to high renovation costs.
Watkins said the recommendation to pursue new construction rather than renovation reflects estimates showing it would be cheaper to build a one‑story building than to recondition a multi‑story structure to meet current codes, including upgrades to stairways and the addition of multiple elevators. The board did not vote on any demolition or construction authorization during the called meeting; commissioners directed Parrish to undertake more detailed programming and cost refinement.
Commissioner Jeffrey Jones moved to adjourn at 12:12 p.m.; Commissioner Sharon Cobb Flanagan seconded. All commissioners present voted in favor and the meeting adjourned.
