County: Courthouse renovations ‘need to be done’
Published 2:32 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2022
- File Photo Carter County Courthouse
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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent
The Carter County Commission approved a motion Monday evening to spend $1.1 million to replace aging windows and gutters at the historic courthouse.
The aging windows and gutters have caused some damage inside the building, including in the clerk and masters office, where Commissioner Angie Odom said staff had been bringing in towels from home to clean up water.
Odom and Commissioner Donnie Cable both said they recently toured the building to look at the damage. Odom and Cable said they both observed what they believed to be mold in parts of the courthouse.
The cost of the project is a bit steep due to the building being in a historic district, according to commissioners. Windows and gutters must be custom-made to meet the district’s requirements.
“The renovations need to be done,” Cable said.
Cable said he saw a lot of damage on the third floor of the courthouse, which was originally constructed in 1852.
Odom said staff in the courthouse should not have to come into the building to clean up after heavy rains and water leaks.
The commission approved the motion 23-1. The only dissenting vote came from Daniel McInturff of the buildings and grounds committee, who said more research might be needed.
Commissioners also approved a resolution to speak against a federal request to change the name of Squawberry. The federal government has shown interest in changing the name, due to the term “squaw” in the name. Squawberry is a community near Roan Mountain.
The commission also voted to approve a motion to purchase radios for nine new cruisers for the Carter County Sheriff’s Department. The new vehicles had been purchased without radio equipment. Commissioners noted that the radios would likely need to be replaced in more than a year once all of the county’s radios are upgraded.
In addition, the commission voted to approve Aaron Frazier as the chairman of the budget committee. The budget committee was previously deadlocked when it attempted to select a new chairman. The commission chose between Frazier and Robert Acuff.
