Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison provided members of the Greene County Budget and Finance Committee with an update on ongoing efforts to remedy plumbing issues at the Greene County Courthouse during the committee’s meeting Wednesday morning.
Morrison noted that a crew with Midway Construction had recently installed “forced evacuation fans” on the ventilation pipes for the courthouse’s sewer system. He noted the fans had “greatly helped” the foul odor issue that has been plaguing the courthouse.
However, issues with water pressure, discolored and brown water flowing through taps, and non-working toilet drains remain.
The county is pursuing the construction of a three story addition to the Greene County Courthouse that will contain restrooms. The three-story addition would include about 4,350 square feet, mostly taken up by six public restrooms in addition to employee bathrooms.
Plumbing issues in the courthouse, resulting from decades of neglect to the facility, cannot be properly addressed due to the presence of asbestos and concrete encased pipes. The creation of the addition would allow the courthouse to remain open, while the issue if remedied through the creation of new bathrooms.
The Greene County Commission recently authorized the County Mayor to seek bids for the project.
Greene County Attorney Roger Woolsey said Wednesday morning that that architect Dave Wright was drawing up a request for bids for the excavation work that will begin the project. He said he expected that it the request for bids could go out in the next few days.
Morrison said that county officials are trying their best to keep the courthouse operational until the bathroom addition is completed.
“If we can just sort of keep things together until we can get this project accomplished maybe lady luck will shine on us,” Morrison said.
In action items, the committee approved a resolution for the Highway Department to purchase a new pickup truck, equipped with a snowplow and salt spreader, if payment was received for the sale of other equipment. The Highway Department has sold some older equipment, but the purchaser has yet to come pick up the equipment or provide full payment. Once the department receives funds from the sale of the older equipment, it will follow through with the purchase the new plowing equipment, which is currently on hold.
The new plow truck will replace an aging one currently in service.
