Vigo County to buy building for drug and mental-health courts for $425,000

Vigo County commissioners voted to buy a building at 601 South 3rd Street for $425,000 to provide space for drug court and mental-health court programs.

County leaders told the board the property doubles the space the county currently rents and is handicap accessible, addressing limitations of the existing leased site. A county speaker said the county obtained two appraisals and that the purchase price was "quite a bit lower" than the appraised average; the board noted the average appraisal was about $160,000 higher than the agreed price.

Commissioners said the purchase will be funded through an in-series transfer approved by the county council and emphasized the property's location next to county campus as a logistical benefit for courts. The motion to approve the purchase was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The county plans to use the building for court-related services; staff did not provide a detailed timeline for renovations or occupancy during the meeting.