A resolution that sets in motion plans to move personnel out of the Annex Building was approved during a special meeting Monday of the Franklin County Board.
The first step in the county’s plans is to move the Emergency Management Agency office to a building located at 401 E. Park St. in Benton. Most of the work to be done at that building will be cosmetic, other than the need to upgrade the bathroom area, according to county officials.
Occupancy is expected by Nov. 4.
The second step involves moving the Regional Office of Education, Election, County Board, Board of Review and the Supervisor of Assessments offices into the Campbell Building by April 15. This is contingent upon securing financing to remodel part of the ground floor of the building. In the resolution, the County Board set a maximum budget amount of $500,000 for the remodeling project.
Treasurer John Gulley said the county is seeking funds from the USDA’s Public Loan Program or through a local bank.
“Whatever bank we use would be the underwriter for the bond sale,” Gulley said.
Chairman Randall Crocker said the remodeling of the Campbell Building is “real simple with an open concept.” He said the building would include three exterior doors.
“What I envision is new doors, take the windows out, maybe put some small windows in, but just siding, nothing fancy.”
Crocker said it will not take the whole building to accomplish the county’s goal, estimating that only about one-third of the building will be used by officeholders. The project would include meeting and break rooms, he added.
County officials said the move is necessary since the county has continued to “pay large sums of money for repairs and maintenance of certain structures, which include the Annex Building.” The problems with this facility include, but is not limited to, sewer and air quality problems, as well as ongoing infestations of roaches.
“We believe this action is the best, short-term option for the citizens of Franklin County based on the county’s urgent needs and limited available finances,” a portion of the resolution stated.
An RIP (Request for Proposal) will be published in the local newspaper, seeking bids from local contractors for the project.
Crocker said the county still has plans to request a referendum be placed on the ballot for the construction of a new courthouse.
