County addresses concerns about future of courthouse

Bollinger County commissioners have found that fighting with the public is inevitable, regardless of the outcome, because they are already doing just that.

On Monday morning, the commission and County Clerk Brittany Howard checked out the latest problem with the courthouse -- 4 to 6 inches of water standing in the basement in a closet where the custodian's supplies are stored. The water is the result of several inches of rain over the past week.

The flood is the most recent damage the building has sustained. The commission ruled earlier that the building should be evacuated when the wind reaches 25 miles an hour. Court cases are temporarily being heard at Marble Hill City Hall, pending the sale of a local church that no longer holds services so the district court can move in.

Two engineers suggested that the county evacuate the 130-year-old building until the county decides to fix it or forget it. There is structural damage, the foundation made of stone is sitting on dirt, and it's close to a well.

Howard said she has had several conversations with a woman who criticized the quality of the engineers, claiming engineers typically overestimate the value of the project. The woman, whose son is studying engineering, claimed the engineers were totally wrong.

District 2 Commissioner Chad Hulvey said he recently encountered a photographer taking pictures of the inside of the building because, she told him, "You're not going to destroy this beautiful building."

Claims that the courthouse is a heritage which must be preserved are drowning out the cries that the courthouse is antiquated and would cost too much to bring up to code.

The commission has inspected local buildings to either rent or buy and resell later, but did not make any decisions. As Hulvey said, "The people have to decide. They will vote on it."

District 1 Commissioner Tim Shelby said he is in favor of buying the Midwest Sports building, which could accommodate the courthouse staff, and it's on the market. Shelby's reasoning is that it would keep all county property in the same High Street area. And if the voters want to repair the courthouse, it would be accessible and the personnel would be in one location.

If the building cannot be repaired, then certain distinguishing characteristics, like bricks or timbers from the old building, could be incorporated into a new structure and still be visible. And if the county finds the land won't support a new structure, it could be used as parking space.

Hulvey said he is in favor of temporarily renting space until adequate shelter can be found somewhere. Other considerations include the office complex that once housed the offices of Dr, John Englehart; the old Chevrolet dealership building; the vacant half of the building where Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Gray has his office; the former Chuck Wagon restaurant; and building a new structure on the two acres next to where the new fire station will be built behind Dollar General.

The commission also discussed other factors that need to be considered, including the availability of parking, susceptibility to flooding, and the possibility of property values being inflated.

Hulvey said the commission wants to be open and hear from county residents.