The Marion County Board is looking at a major renovation of the main third-floor courtroom as a future project. The board Tuesday night also discussed ongoing projects and delays in getting the Treasurer’s office renovation complete.
The Director of Public Education at the county’s performance contractor Ameresco Gene Mackey presented some initial rough plans for the courtroom renovation. Building Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel says they are working with those in the court system in putting together the project that will not occur until at least sometime next year.
“I think in the main courtroom what we are trying to do is number one modernize both the appearance and technology. We are trying to get better lighting and sound, ADA compliance for the jury box, for the judge’s access to his desk, and also to the witness stand and reporter.”
Engel says since the federal COVID relief money has been exhausted, funding sources will also have to be identified.
Mackey also unveiled new plans for the east courthouse security entrance that includes some type of construction that would extend to the large pillars in the rotunda. However, Sheriff Andy Garden didn’t think something that elaborate was necessary.
“I’m not about spending a bunch of money on looks as far as security. I don’t think that will help our security. I believe an extra deputy will help our security. My idea there is maybe a turn style. I’d like to dress it up where it looks better, but as far as any hard security I think the extra deputy and extra person is going to make me feel a lot better about security at the courthouse.”
Garden says with only one person at the security desk, they will be taken out quickly if someone has the intent of doing harm. He would rotate the deputy in and out of the assignment to keep them fresh. The county board had no objections to the sheriff’s request for the additional deputy, but a vote will be taken at a later meeting.
Garden reported the renovation work at the jail was going very smooth, but facing some delays from supply line issues. He notes all the materials are now available for the start of the roof replacement next week. Garden says all of the problem doors have been fixed and workers will return next week to work on the slider doors.
The board was told the third-floor bathrooms at the courthouse have now been gutted with work to begin shortly on the construction of new bathrooms including a unisex bathroom.
Marion County Treasurer Gary Purcell expressed some dissatisfaction with delays in getting the renovation of his office completed so they can move in noting Ameresco should be more conscious of deadlines. He also complained there was not always someone on the job to address issues.
However, County Board Chair Debbie Smith earlier noted some of the delays was from changes made in the plans. Engel also noted all the challenges currently faced in getting supplies and labor.
Mackey admitted delays were hard and unexpected but felt with all the current challenges work is going well considering the small area labor pool.
“For us to be able to flex workers on and off this job to keep the schedule moving given the labor conditions right now is actually exceptional. I apologize if it’s falling short of what your expectations may be, but at the end of the day we have a ton of resources and are actually performing very well.”
Mackey emphasized they want to be responsive to any questions and want feedback.
Community Relations Committee Chair Bill Henson reported Americana in Salem will powder coat the two large existing flag poles in front of the courthouse for about $1,600. He’s hoping the county can find a way to get the flag poles out of the ground, delivered to Americana, and then put back up without additional expense.
