Commission tables $1.55 million courthouse belltower and clock reconstruction proposal

Henry County commissioners voted on Dec. 15 to table Resolution 3-12-25, which would have approved a proposal from Renaissance Historic Exteriors to reconstruct the courthouse belltower and clock and authorize the County Mayor to finalize a contract. Commissioner Ralph Wiles moved to table the resolution and Commissioner David Flowers seconded; the motion carried by recorded vote, 9 in favor and 5 opposed.

Exhibit A from the vendor outlines a full dome and flat-roof restoration scope that includes scaffolding, removal and replication of copper cladding, replacement of damaged wood, installation of new copper cladding and underlayments, removal and temporary lowering of the original bell by crane, and reinstatement work. The vendor’s Rough Order of Magnitude for the dome and flat roof restoration is $1,550,000. Option 1 (clock machinery and dials) is listed at $100,000; Option 2 (bell reset and bracing) is listed at $42,500. The exhibit notes that the options require scaffolding and site setup from the main restoration work.

Commissioners did not proceed with contract authorization at this meeting; the resolution to approve the proposal was tabled for further consideration. The County Mayor is authorized under the resolution text to negotiate and execute a contract if adopted in the future; the tabling motion stops that immediate authorization.