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Local News

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Courthouse renovation on hold
Hanco EMS
By JIM MAURER

Staff Writer

TIFFIN -- It will take an improved economy before the Seneca County Commissioners will borrow funds for courthouse renovations.

The courthouse, built in 1884, has been closed for years following construction of an annex building on East Market Street behind the South Washington Street structure.

After years of debate over whether to renovate or demolish the building, the commissioners last year approved a restoration plan. The project has an estimated cost of $7.5 million.

Commissioner Dave Sauber said he hopes to reduce the amount the commissioners borrow to about $3.5 million.

"We don't have a chance" to borrow funds now, he said. A loan could not be repaid because county general fund revenues have declined, he said.

Other money is being sought for the renovation.

A group that supports the renovation has begun fundraising to cover the more than $1.4 million estimated cost to restore the building's clock tower and other architectural features.

The state Department of Development has approved Community Development Block Grant funds, federal money funneled through the state. The $400,000 of federal money would be used for handicapped-accessible projects and requires a $100,000 county match, Sauber said.

Judges Michael Kelbley and Steve Shuff, of Seneca County Common Pleas Court, have pledged department money since their courtrooms would be included in a renovated courthouse.

Gov. Ted Strickland has pledged $2 million toward the renovation, with a portion coming from the Community Development Block Grant, Sauber said.

Combined, those sources may leave the county about $3.5 million to borrow.

Since the county is waiting for an improved economy to generate funds for its share, Sauber said fundraising continues.

When the commissioners approved a restoration plan, they also set an Oct. 30 deadline for the group to raise the money.

But since the commissioners do not have funds to repay a loan, Sauber said he "has no problem letting them have the time they need."

However, the commissioners will not seek a ballot issue to generate the funds, Sauber said. Voters have turned down funding requests over the years. The most recent was a 0.72 mill bond issue in 2008 to generate $8.5 million.

Courthouse renovations have been discussed for more than three decades, especially during the past 5½ years while Sauber and Ben Nutter have been commissioners.

Sauber and Nutter had supported demolition of the courthouse and construction of a building on the same site which would include some of the architecture, but coordinate with the adjacent annex building.

They changed their minds last year, when the courthouse redevelopment group, headed by Franklin Conaway, presented a plan at a reduced price.

It would cost the county $3.5 million to $4 million to construct a building similar to the annex, Sauber said.

"So why not maintain what we have," he said.

"I'm to the point, I hope it works out," he said. "I would love to see a new clock tower."

"I would hate to the see (the courthouse) torn down."

Maurer: 419-427-8420, Send an e-mail to Jim Maurer


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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.