The Marion County Board has approved a 15-year $900,000 loan with People’s National Bank to allow several building projects to be completed.
The board earlier approved a $403,000 bid to replace all the courthouse windows as well as windows in the doors. The same company that received that bid, Gardner/L and M Glass was also the lone bidder on replacing the windows and the rear doors at the Public Service Building. The $75,900 was lower than what the board anticipated.
The board Tuesday night agreed to add a third project, adding emergency power to the courthouse. Building Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel says recent power outages and power bumps has shown the need.
“What we’re going to be looking at there is a backup generator and a battery backup. The battery backup of course is to stop the technology from going down, especially in the courtrooms. The circuit clerk, county clerk, it’s more critical that they don’t experience any serious problems,” Engel said. “Then there’s also going to be a backup generator that will kick in after about fifteen to twenty seconds that will take over power. Not of all the courthouse, but a good part of it, the vital areas, including emergency lighting and things like that.”
TOPS Electric was authorized to prepare the bid specifications. If they do not receive the bid, they will be paid $2,500 for writing the specs.
Board member Steve Whritenour questioned if any other emergency projects were going to pop up and if $900,000 would be enough. He was told office holders were updating projects that will need attention over time, but there are no more critical needs.
The board agreed to a 15-year loan instead of 10 to give themselves more flexibility with a lower yearly payment of $85,887. The interest rate will be 4.79 percent.
