The Marion County Board has approved a $6,145 bid from Shores Builders of Centralia to make ADA improvements to the jury box and witness stand in the large third-floor courtroom.
Building Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel says the work will include adding two additional seats for alternative jurors and making it accessible for jurors in wheelchairs. The witness stand seat will be made larger and easier to access.
Circuit Clerk Tiffany Schicker says that recently became an issue when a juror in a wheelchair had to sit in front of the jury box.
“It will be easier for our jurors. They are paid very little to be there so if we can make it a little more accessible for them, I’d love to do it.”
The improvement is part of a $92,000 plan proposed earlier by Resident Circuit Court Judge Mark Stedelin. The overall plan is expected to be revised to include improved ceiling lighting.
The board approved a $3,380 bid from Top Notch Tree Service to remove a large tree on the northwest side of the courthouse.
Financial Committee Chair Chris Krupp reported the draft of the 2021 audit should be delivered by the end of the week. After that long overdue audit is finished, Krupp says other audits should follow behind quickly. The lack of timely audits has caused problems for units of county government from being able to access some state and federal grant monies.
The board reappointed Lane Briscoe to the position of Patoka Fire Protection District Trustee.
