HOK Industrial Design representatives spoke at the Board of County Commissioner committee meeting today regarding conceptual design for the new courthouse and future expansion of the area. HOK presented options for layout of the courthouse and other judicial buildings with a mind for aesthetics, and how the property might be viewed by the public. Commissioner Bob Cole said he's looking to save costs and not interested in developing the front part of the property if they decide to put the courthouse near the back. Cole also said the county's website should list the cost of rent for existing judicial buildings that could move to the new property as well as other costs to be saved by the move. Adding to cost cutting measures, the HOK representative said the new building would implement energy efficient standards resulting in additional savings. Members of the public, who spoke, expressed interest in further discussion about where the courthouse should be located. Sam Mullins, resident, spoke before the committee saying the county should look into selling unimproved real estate for the new courthouse before leveling sales tax. He also suggested adding committee meetings to the south end of the county during evening hours to allow more public opportunity to speak directly with the commissioners. Mullins said the proposed area is “packed as it is,” and would cause more traffic problems. District 3 Commissioner Don Salter said he would agree to disagree with Mullins. Discussion finished up with HOK asking the commissioners to think about addressing security in the new facility; security cameras in the parking lots and metal detectors inside secured areas.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: New concepts for courthouse discussed