County studies space needs

BROWNSTOWN - Jackson County commissioners began the process of looking at some of the county's long-term office space and storage needs Tuesday morning.

"I'd like to know for sure what our storage needs are," Commissioner Gary Darlage said during the meeting at the courthouse annex.

Darlage's comments came during discussions between commissioners and Realtor Rob Millman, who asked commissioners to consider purchasing the former Country Mansion building across from the courthouse in Brownstown to help with space needs.

"My question is, ‘Are you ready to buy?'" Millman asked commissioners.

In the past, commissioners have discussed the possibility of purchasing the 47,050-square-foot building owned by Brownstown residents Sam and Amy Motazedi. Millman said the asking price was $395,000 and the building, constructed in 2001, was an ideal location for use by the county.

Commissioners President Steve Gill said he knows the county needs to do something to address storage and space issues.

Commissioner Monte Striegel and Darlage agreed, although Darlage said he was not ready to jump into the purchase of any building.

Striegel said he recently talked with county Assessor Bev Gaiter, who said she will need to add some staff as a result of taking over assessing duties for the county's townships, including Jackson, on July 1 under a new state law.

Gill said he liked the idea of moving non-court officeholders out of the courthouse and making the courthouse for court business. He added he also knows the county is going to have to address the issue of storage down the road.

Darlage said the state's decision to consolidate assessing duties has freed up the former Jackson Township assessor's office in Seymour, attached to the Jackson Superior Court I offices. There also has been some talk of moving Jackson Superior Court II, which opened in the annex on Jan. 1, to another location.

"I'm not sure we need to buy anything," Darlage said.

He said he favored creation of a committee consisting of a commissioner as well as members of the county council to look at future needs.

Gill said he would like to see officeholders outline potential needs they might have in the future.

Commissioners eventually agreed to appoint Striegel to a committee to look at issues.

Councilman Andy Fountain, who attended the commissioners meeting, said he would bring the issue up at tonight's county council meeting.