After having to push the renovations on the Clinton County Courthouse aside for some major projects, the Clinton County Commissioners on Tuesday received an updated report and cost estimates to fix the venerable structure that is over 100 years old.
“Right now, we’re at a point where we’re going to have to make a decision on what we’re going to do with the Courthouse,” said Commissioners President Josh Uitts. “We had some things come up, some big ticket items like the hospital and infrastructure expansion that kind of pushed the courthouse off to the side. The (County) Council signaled us if there was a time to do major renovations, now would be it.”
Representatives from American Structure Point presented the updated plan, which was first reported in July 2018. Costs were assembled by Blundell Associates, Inc. and the total estimated cost for everything on the list was between $1,003,240 to $1,253,800. Items on the list include a Civil Site Evaluation, Enlarge the Council Chamber, Add Security to Treasurer’s Office, Secure One Entry Door, Convert Third Floor Clerk’s Office, Renovate Jury Room, Replace Signage, Main Corridor Work, Superior Court, Exterior Cornice Work and Exterior Lighting Upgrade.
Uitts was asked which item is most important.
“The roof needs to be addressed,” he said. “You can go into the attic above the fourth floor and there’s parts of it where you can see daylight. That’s a problem.”
Uitts said a meeting between himself, reps from Structure Point and a couple of County Councilmen will be held soon to discuss that the priority list should be.
In other news, the Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Madison Township so living quarters and another bay for the ambulance will be added on.
“We want to make it livable for those who are out there 24 hours a day,” said Uitts.
Uitts added this is a 10-year agreement.