Marion County Resident Circuit Court Judge Mark Stedelin came before the county board Tuesday night to ask the board to move forward on renovation of the large third story courtroom at the courthouse.
Stedelin also said he had no interest in the latest plan presented, but something much less expensive.
“First fatal flaw is the estimated cost was $1.8 which was ridiculous. The 2nd fatal flaw is it proposed to make a modern courtroom in a historical building. It purposed to remove all the fixtures that make it unique and match the other historical structures of the building.”
Instead Stedelin wants to increase the size of the jury box to allow room for the two alternative jurors and a place for a wheel chair if a handicapped person is seated on a jury. He also wants a larger chair for the witness stand as the current one is difficult for police officers with gun and radio belts. Stedelin says the room also needs to be painted and new carpeting installed. He also wants to remove old paneling and woodwork that matches the rest of the courthouse installed. Stedelin would like to get the work done by fall when Circuit Clerk Tiffany Schiker is expected to have grant money available to upgrade the electronics in the courtroom.
County Board Chair Debbie Smith says while the outside of the courthouse now looks good and most of the other county offices have been renovated, the large courtroom needs work.
“Its deplorable and really outdated. I would request that we get a list of things from you and what you want done. We will put it out for bid, get some people in and get estimates as soon as possible.”
Stedelin joined Sheriff Kevin Cripps in also pushing for replacement of the outside windows in both the courthouse and public service building. They note many windows don’t close tightly and rain water gets into the window sills. Those projects could also be undertaken in the current year.
The sheriff and board are pleased with the recent painting of the public areas on all three floors of the courthouse.
Court Services Director Renee Pride said the sewer odor problem in the Public Service Building is mostly gone. A blockage was found in a sewer line, but the wall with the sewer line is being kept open for now in case the problem comes back.
