The juvenile and probate court was once part of a major plan to overhaul the county court facilities, but the commissioners are first addressing the needs of the common pleas court by building a new $6.2 million office building and renovating the courthouse. Kirby said he is willing to wait his turn, but he can get started next year with the help of Ohio Department of Youth Services.
“We appreciate the fact that common pleas is in dire need of the modifications and they are getting the expansion project,” he said. “We realize that was a high priority.”
Touring the detention center and Mary Haven, rust stains drip down the walls where the roof has leaked, flooring is old and cracked and frost forms on the inside of the windows in the winter. Court Administrator Tony Brigano said the state would pay for 60 percent of pre-approved projects that benefit the children who are housed there.
“We are very fortunate the state Department of Youth Services has some money out there,” he said. “If we go about it the right way, we’ll be able to in effect have something related to the kids well being built, made, repaired, whatever it might be.”
The work on the other side of the “double doors” that separate the detention facilities from the court is estimated at $242,943 and the county could be reimbursed $145,765. County architect Mike Shadoan said they have already completed a large amount of work that isn’t in plain view, including fixing the roof, refurbishing the heating and air conditioning, and installing new lock down systems and door sensors. The county has spent about $380,000 on the behind-the-scenes projects and another $400,000 is in the planning stage.
“We are trying to correct big issues in the building that adversely affect occupant comfort,” he said.
Kirby also asked the commissioners if he can take over the trailer that sits down the hill from the court, when the law library is moved out after the new building opens. Quarters in the court side of the building are so tight that one staffer works in a former closet.
“As far as trailer goes, it’s very functional and it would be very beneficial to us because we’re out of space,” he said. “They are going to do a study on what the buy out is (on the trailer).
Over the next five years Kirby has asked the commissioners for just over $1 million in improvements, personnel and equipment. Some of that money can be offset with the 60/40 funding split with the state.
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