“Moving forward” continues to be the mantra of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, as further discussion concerning the aging county courthouse resumed on Wednesday.

“I think that we as a board need to take aggressive steps and move forward,” said District 2 Supervisor Wayman Newell.

Options for the courthouse include renovation and add-ons for the existing building and relocation to another site.

According to a Lauderdale County grand jury report released last week, immediate needs include upgrades to the ventilation system, removal of mold and creating more sufficient emergency exits. 

“The conditions of the courthouse are unacceptable for employees and citizens,” the grand jury report stated.

The report also said courthouse employees should be relocated to a healthier and safer working environment until a final decision is made.

During last week’s work session, Bill Yates of Yates Construction, who has expertise in courthouse renovation and restoration, offered to create a proposal at no cost to the county. He is expected to present the proposal at the next work session.

“I think we would be willing to do this analysis you’re talking about really fast,” Yates said.

At Wednesday’s regular board meeting, District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Wells said he was “very impressed” with Yates’ presentation. He then told the board that he was ready to move forward and hire Meridian-based architect Bob Luke, who was also at last Thursday’s work session.

“[Yates] is going to keep whoever we hire in check with cost management,” Wells said.

But board attorney Lee Thaggard advised the board that a professional services agreement must be in place before Luke can be hired.

Last year, the county contracted Belinda Stewart, of Belinda Stewart Architects, from Eupora, for $75,000 to study courthouse options. She delivered a 66-page study to the board in December, recommending potential solutions.

The board on Wednesday also approved a resolution authorizing a maintenance and service contract for a heating and air conditioning system at the courthouse with The Service Company for one year. Newell said although the system is needed, it is ultimately “money down the hole” while the board still considers courthouse options.

In other action, the board approved:

• The transfer of $30,210 from Bond Fund 3383 to Volunteer Fire Fund 106 to reimburse for the purchase of fire equipment

• The transfer of $50,670.84 from the General Fund 001 to E911 Fund 097 for the county’s share of lease purchase payments in FY2017

• The use of $1,000 for the advertisement of county resources with the Mississippi Association of Gang Investigators