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Board debates renovate vs. new courthouse after plumbing failures; new build estimated at roughly $30M
Summary
Board members discussed whether to repair the aging courthouse or pursue a new facility, citing earlier estimates that a new 60,000‑square‑foot building could cost about $30 million while full repairs and upgrades may cost several million.
Discussion at the meeting moved beyond emergency fixes to long‑term options for county facilities. Chair Jared Hawkinson and others contrasted continuing to pour money into the old courthouse with the cost and timeline of constructing a new building.
Hawkinson said a new 60,000‑square‑foot courthouse would be roughly $30 million based on rough local comparisons, and that renovating the existing structure — even to modern standards — could still leave the county with significant ongoing maintenance costs. Member Cheryl Nache urged moving out of the current building, saying, "It is time to get the hell out of dodge," while Treasurer Robin Davis outlined options including using contingency, landfill funds, bonds, or voter referenda to finance either a renovation or a new facility.
No formal decision was made; the board approved emergency repairs and design documents to allow procurement of renovation bids while Ways and Means will examine financing for any larger capital steps.
