Based on the minutes from the administrative committee meeting of Dec. 3, three Democratic members of the administrative committee of the Henry County Board decided to move ahead with the parking lot project. Source: www.henrycty.com/thehenrycountyboard/committeereports/administrationminutes.pdf.
“Members present: Tom Steele, Jesse Crouch, Ted Sturtevant and John Sovanski. Members absent: Jason DeSplinter.... Member Jesse Crouch left at 5:45 ...”
At this meeting of the administrative committee, “The parking lot project bidding process was discussed. Member Sovanski moved to regenerate the RFP process for the parking lot, with bids to be opened at the Jan. 7 administration committee meeting and include a clause indicating ‘completion of the project will be within 30 working days or Aug. 31, 2009, whichever is sooner,’ Member Sturtevant seconded, all were in favor and motion carried.”
During the Dec. 2008 full board meeting, administrative committee member John Sovanski presented the following information, “Administrative committee member John Sovanski said repairs are needed top to bottom with the roof, overhangs, metal flashings, bricks and window. The total cost would be $2.7 million, he said, but about $500,000 worth of the works is for projects not absolutely essential.” Source: Dispatch online article by Lisa Hammer, posted 12/21/08 “Henry County fails to spare College Square Park.”
Considering the fact that the courthouse is in need of $2.7 million in repairs, it just seems logical to use the funds from the “restricted funds” account to immediately start making necessary repairs to the courthouse rather than proceed with a parking lot project. The “restricted funds” account is designed to be used for repairs and improvements the board deems necessary.
It would also appear that the need for repairs to the courthouse is desperate, as during the Dec. 2008 full board meeting board member Jim King made reference to “leaking walls” and being able to “see light through walls” in some areas of the courthouse.
I might be wrong, but I believe the higher priority should be placed on using these “restricted funds” to repair the courthouse building.
I believe it would be very wise for the county board to re-examine the motion made at the December meeting that would, “... postpone parking lot construction at college Square Park for one year and put funds toward emergency courthouse repairs.”
This seems to be the more logical and reasonable way to spend our tax dollars. For our elected officials to move ahead with spending approximately $200,000 on a parking lot instead of caring for our courthouse is simply fiscally irresponsible.
