After hearing a presentation regarding the commissioner backed county courthouse renovation plan, the Montgomery County Council voted to proceed with the next step. The council instructed county financial advisor, Jeff Peters, to provide a financial plan to pay for the estimated $5.3 million project.
The county previously hired DLZ Engineering to develop the plan to repair the courthouse exterior and remodel portions of its interior. DLZ estimated the cost to renovate the exterior at $4.3 million and the interior at $1 million. Most of the problems with the historic building are water related.
DLZ engineer Henry Stellema explained the courthouse roof is in such disrepair that the integrity of the building is being affected. County Building Administrator Marc Bonwell reported he cannot do the needed repairs because the roof is unsafe below the roof line. The exterior renovation will include removing and rebuilding the south and north cornices and installing insulation. In some areas, the gutters need repaired and replaced, and the work was recommended to include gutter heaters to avoid freezing. Other areas in need of attention include improving the ramp/stair system, replacing slate, restoring stone, improving exterior lighting and cleaning and repairing the veteran’s monument on the corner.
Interior renovations include the entire building from the basement to the attic. The work will include removing some walls to make the building more useful for the court system, adding restrooms, painting walls and replacing carpet and ceiling tiles.
Funding for the project is expected to come from two sources. The county will spend approximately $1.5 million of American Recovery Plan Act funds and obtain a bond for the balance. The county will pay off an $8.2 million bond this summer which allows the county to borrow funds for the courthouse project.
Montgomery County Administrator Tom Klein reported after receiving the funding report from Peters, the county will proceed with obtaining bids for the work. Klein said commissioners hope to have the renovation begin in the fall and be completed by the end of 2025.
In other business, the council:
• Heard an annual presentation about the Youth Service Bureau from director Karen Branch.
• Participated in annual training provided by county attorney Dan Taylor.
• Heard the 2023 fourth quarter financial report from Chief Deputy Auditor Jennifer Andel.
• Appointed Jessica Bokhart to the Economic Development Commission.
The next council meeting is set for 9 a.m. March 12 at the Montgomery County Government Center.
