The Daviess County Commissioners are holding firm on 30,000 sq. ft. for the courthouse renovation project. Sitting in for absent County Commission president Michael Taylor, Commissioner Nathan Gabhart reported that 30% of the design phase of the project has been completed and department heads have met with members of the County Council, Commissioners, and representatives of RQAW. Commissioner Ron Arnold said that at the beginning of the project everyone presented their wish list, but now it is time to look at what we can afford. Gabhart noted that it would be cheaper to build a new building, but it is important to keep the historic 96 year old courthouse. The current Daviess County Courthouse was built in 1927 after a fire destroyed the previous building, which was built in the 19th century. Gabhart said plans are to begin renovation in the second quarter of 2023.
In other business, the Council approved a contract with Purdue University for extension services and amendments to the Central Dispatch agreement with the City of Washington. The Commissioners agree with the Southern Indiana Development Commission to be the lead sponsor of the SIDC Land Bank. There is no cost to the county, and the land bank will assist in getting delinquent properties back on the tax rolls. The Commissioners also established the county holiday and meeting schedules for 2023, passed an ordinance transferring undeveloped rights of way in Glendale to the Living Waters Church, and established a minimum bid of $100 on delinquent properties eligible for a commissioners sale. The next County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13.
