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Resident asks court to restore nearly $1 million for historic courthouse; commissioners reallocate funds due to grant timing
Summary
A resident urged the county not to cut the historic courthouse restoration budget by about $967,700. County officials said the amount was budgeted as matching funds for a state grant not yet received and, citing disruption concerns and possible alternative building acquisition, the court approved reallocating $967,700 to other courthouse/admin hard costs.
A resident told the court the historic Ellis County Courthouse needs continuous restoration and urged reconsideration of a proposed decrease in restoration funding. "I just hope that you would reconsider decreasing the courthouse restoration budget by almost $1,000,000," Kathleen Bowen said, urging the county to maintain the building’s upkeep so artifacts and fabric remain in the county.
The county judge explained the line item represented matching funds for a state grant the county has not yet received and that current occupancy makes a large maintenance project disruptive. He said an alternative building under consideration may create a nearer‑term opportunity to complete larger restoration. After discussion, the court approved reallocation of $967,700 from the historic courthouse restoration account to cover hard costs, equipment, furniture, and fixtures for other courthouse and administrative projects (motion by Commissioner Ponder; second Commissioner Stinson).
