The Marion County Board Tuesday night received an update on building projects underway at the Marion County Jail, Courthouse, and Public Service Building.
The project manager for the county’s contract management firm, Ameresco, reported work on the roof and new heating and air condition units at the jail would be completed in the next two weeks, with new cell doors all expected to be in place by October first. Rob Dulaney said phase one work of renovation of the probation office at the Public Service Building was not complete with employees moved in. Work on phase two will begin next week.
At the courthouse, Dulaney reported work on the Treasurer’s office has been completed and work is underway to replace the third-floor bathrooms and add a unisex bathroom. He’s also preparing for the next big project, the renovation of the State’s Attorney’s office. Dulaney says during the process the State’s Attorney’s office will work out of two locations.
“We are going to try and do a little more of a sound buffer between the larger courtroom and the existing library area and create that into office spaces. Probably about 4 possibly 5 into that area and then with the offset of the remaining 4 we will go down to the first floor conference room.”
Dulaney expects the State’s Attorney renovation to take about eight weeks, with the project beginning in October or November. The renovation of the first-floor bathrooms will follow early next year.
Board Chair Debbie Smith and Building Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel received no objections from board members to seeking bids to contract out lawn care and snow removal. Engel noted there had been complaints about snow removal in the past and a company with better equipment that would start earlier in the morning could likely rectify them. Right now the county is down to just a half-time custodian, with the full-time position open.
Marion County ESDA Coordinator Sheri Barter reported a long list of events where they assisted with parking and a manpower shortage they are experiencing. She reports is down to just five active members. Barter says those who would like to join the volunteer organization to contact her at the ESDA office.
