Computer pic of a possible new courthouse annex at 3rd and Hefron in Washington
With the emphasis that no decisions have been made and all the information presented, was just that, information on an exploratory process, The Daviess County Council and Commissioners hosted a town hall style meeting last night concerning the construction of some type of courthouse annex to alleviate space issues at the current courthouse.
Lamar and Associates Architect and Design presented conceptual designs and plans for building onto the Old National Bank building downtown which is owned by the county…or building a new structure at 3rd and Hefron adjacent to the courthouse. There were two options each for both locations. Both would house the Assessor, Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer offices. Both could or could not include a central dispatch center. The health department could be located in the new structure and there was an option of having the Purdue Extension offices in the buildings. Total cost ranged from 6 to 8 million based on what location and which option.
Computer pick of courthouse annex downtown if the current Old National Bank Building was added on to
Jonathan Lamar, with the architect firm explained what led them to create these initial designs…
There were less than 50 people at the meeting last night including elected officials. Public discussion centered on the cost and whether such facilities are needed. The commissioners and council agreed that costs would be cut wherever they could however, about 27,000 square feet is needed for a facility and the construction cost for that is around 130 dollars per square foot. Possible options on how to pay for it were also discussed. The current jail bonds will be paid off by the middle of next year and another bond is being paid off before summer this year. Elected officials agreed that would free up what was needed with no or minimal effect on taxpayers.
County Council President Mike Sprinkle appreciated all that spoke up and stressed the project is still in its infancy. However, he says, the public meetings get the thought process started.
Last night’s meeting was the first of three sessions. The next one is next Monday at 6 at the Odon Community Building and another on Monday the 14th at the Montgomery Ruritan Building at 6-pm. When all public comment is gathered and evaluated the commissioners and council will decide what way if any to go. Sprinkle says he wants some type of decision by the end of this year.