COURTHOUSE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY DEC. 1

CHARLESTON - Mississippi County commissioners cut in half the amount of money retained on a courthouse construction project.

Commissioners approved a motion last week that reduced the contract from 10 percent to 5 percent. In return, C.A. Walker Construction Co., who holds the contract, guaranteed officials that the building would be ready Dec. 1.

Work would still be necessary on the building's exterior; however, interior space should be ready for county officials to use.

Commissioners decided against used pews in courtrooms and hallways and opted for newer ones at a cost of $28,421.

The stadium seating originally planned would have cost the county around $50,000.

Commissioners also viewed the furniture layout and color schemes for the remainder of the courthouse furniture. Bids on the furniture are expected this week.

The consensus was that quality furniture for the courthouse would be a better buy for the county, a "long-term investment instead of a short-term expense," said Junior DeLay, county clerk.

County officeholders will not be allowed to bring their own furnishings into the new office because the courthouse needs a sense of uniformity in its decor, said Jim Blumenberg, presiding commissioner.

In other county business, commissioners agreed to have the jail exercise yard enclosed on top with fencing instead of topping the cyclone chain-link fence with razor wire.

Blumenberg said an inmate injured by razor wire in an escape attempt would cost the county money.