Pike County courthouse changes

What a difference a year makes. The historic Pike County courthouse will have a fresh new look for 2013 along with an additional 5,600 square feet of office space. All major construction projects have been completed inside and outside the building. Finishing touches will be completed after an upcoming meeting with all department heads involved. ’In January, we’ll meet with everybody and go over a punch list of remaining items that need to be addressed,’ said planning and development director and project coordinator David Allen. ‘Once those items are addressed the project will be complete. The judge’s bench has been built in the second courtroom and workers are putting the finishing touches on it.’Allen said the punch list will likely include small issues that can be resolved without a major undertaking. He said court may again be held in the historic courtroom and the additional courtroom as early as February. The clock is working and telling accurate time for the New Year. ’All the major projects have been completed and everyone is operational in their offices,’ he said. ‘The judge’s desk has been placed in the judge’s quarters and it is starting to be furnished.’Pike County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the $2.67 million bid for the courthouse addition and renovation at a Jan. 11, 2012 meeting with commissioner Carol Bass opposing. Commissioners debated a metal roof versus shingles and considered sticking with the old HVAC units. After several votes and extensive discussion, a metal roof and a new HVAC system was approved for the project. Funding for an audiovisual system for both courtrooms and a new judge’s bench for the second courtroom was approved at the commissioners’ Dec. 4 meeting but no funds have been set aside for additional courthouse furnishings. The superior court circuit agreed to purchase furniture for the judge’s quarters.