County discusses courthouse repair funding

 RED OAK — Plans are progressing for the extensive repairs needed at the Montgomery County Courthouse. 

Auditor Stephanie Burke said the first priority should be the roof, as explained by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architect Daric O’Neal, who conducted a study of the building. Repairs and updates are also needed for the plumbing and electrical systems as well as the heating and air conditioning. 

The installation of a fire alarm system and updated lighting for emergency exits will also be addressed to comply with safety codes. 

“The good thing Daric said is nothing is an immediate issue,” Burke said. “Everything will need to be addressed sooner rather than later but nothing is too severe.” 

At Thursday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Burke said possible funding options was a main topic. 

After conference calls with the county’s bond company and legal representation, Burke said the Board is looking into gradually increasing the debt service levy as the law enforcement levy declines. The 2014-15 debt levy is set at 73 cents per $1,000 of property valuation. 

While numerous projects are needed, Burke said the repairs will likely be broken into phases. As outlined in Iowa Code, the county is able to bond up to $600,000 without a public vote. 

Previous discussions indicated the building needs around $1 million worth of repairs. 

County officials had discussed possibly selling the county farm to help pay for courthouse repairs. The 120-acre farm south of Red Oak, which the county has owned since the 1800s, is rented for $362 per acre, generating more than $40,000 in revenue annually. 

“Nothing is definite, but a gradual increase of the debt service levy, which would be reasonable, seems to be where the Board is leaning,” Burke said. “They are leaning toward not selling the farm and keeping that income in the general fund.” 

Burke added she has not heard many public comments on the future of the farm, but thinks bonding for the courthouse repairs could be a better solution all around. 

A public hearing to enter into a bond agreement not to exceed $600,000 is scheduled for May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Burke said following the hearing, the county will begin seeking bids for the first phase of repairs — the roof.  

Early estimates indicate a $400,000 price tag for the roof work. 

“The Board is looking at all the possible options and prices that go along with those for the roof repairs,” Burke said. “Nothing is determined yet.”

A timeline for future repairs has yet to be determined.