County buildings to get an extreme makeover
Rusk, Alto buildings to be expanded
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Cherokee County Commissioners authorized Garrett & Associates General Contractors Ltd. to ask for bids for three projects at Monday's meeting in the county courtroom.

Mike Leinbach of JML Architects and Randy Garrett and Wes McClure of Garrett & Associates General Contractors Ltd. presented an update of projects planned for the county.

Plans are to renovate the tax office in Jacksonville; construct an evidence room and three offices at the county jail in Rusk; and extend the county building in Alto to allow space for a courtroom.

Projected cost of the three projects is $858,362.

The renovation in Jacksonville is expected to cost approximately $365,000. Commissioner Byron Underwood, Precinct 4, asked if the county could construct a new building cheaper.

Mr. Leinbach replied that he thought it would be cheaper to renovate the existing building. "The life expectancy of the building is for a long time and the only thing that you will need to replace in several years will be the air conditioning."

The Alto project calls for closing in a drive through window area for the courtroom. A new foundation will be laid because the concrete is cracked.

Motion to seek bids was made by Moody Glass Jr. and seconded by Mr. Underwood. Also voting for the motion were Commissioners Mary Gregg, Kevin Pierce and County Judge Chris Davis.

In other matters, commissioners will seek bids to purchase a used Pulverize-mixer for one or more precincts. Also, one or more precincts were authorized to purchase a Cat Motor Grader.

A lease transfer for Hanger 33 at the Cherokee County Airport was approved from Forrest Crawford to Dennis Spence.

Commissioners approved a resolution and tax resale deed for conveyance of previously struck off property.

The property will be placed back on the tax rolls.

The courthouse lawn will be used for a National Day of Prayer rally on May 1 and July 4 for Fourth of July Celebration and parade.

A plat in the Bonnie D subdivision will be accepted when the anticipated filing releases are received.

A deadline of three weeks was set.

Items on the consent agenda approved included reports from Lynn Kelley, Constable Pct. 1; Ricky Moore, license and weight officer's report for March; and a plat in Andy's subdivision.

Attending the meeting were County Judge Davis; Commisisoners Gregg, Pierce, Glass and Underwood; County Clerk Laverne Lusk; and County Auditor L.H. Crockett.