2023- Courthouse Additions – Background

“For the Record:”

Judge Wertz proposed this project last year (2022), and the commissioners committed to funding it. Judge Wertz made a compelling argument and identified a Sally Port as the priority. She also applied for and received grant money to fund planning efforts.

This project was fully vetted by the commissioners and council at several public meetings. There was never ANY opposition to the project from the public.

When the project was first bid last fall, there was only 1 bidder. The project was re-bid and additional bids were received. The lowest bid was selected. There was an allegation that the cost per square foot was excessive but the architect and the contractor selected for the job refuted the claim.

All the rules were followed regarding the bidding and vetting process. There were also last-minute issues with the available funding but this was resolved. Feedback was also positive from the historical preservation experts – no objections to the design of the additions to the historical courthouse.

I attend the commissioner and council meetings and publish my notes at Brown County Matters and at Indep Voters of Brown County IN.