Knox County Board approves $1.66267 million emergency repair to courthouse restrooms

The Knox County Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $1,662,670 Emergency Repair Action to fix failing plumbing and return courthouse restrooms to operation.

Chair Jared Hawkinson said the county has struggled with recurring problems while attempting piecemeal fixes and that crews found concrete‑encased pipes that crumble when handled. "Every time they touch the pipe, it would break and crumble," Vice‑Chair Brian Friedrich told the board as he distributed photos of the damage. Friedrich and Hawkinson said the failure includes sewer gas odors and leaking that have persisted for years.

The board recorded the roll call vote as Ayes 14, Noes 0. The motion to approve the emergency repair was moved by Member Joshua Kramer and seconded by Member Ricardo Sandoval. Treasurer Robin Davis later confirmed that the cost figure under consideration for immediate repairs is $1,662,670 and that the first invoice will not be received until March.

Board members framed the emergency approval as a short‑term step to restore operations while they consider full renovation or replacement options. "The 1.662 million would get them back to operations temporarily," Hawkinson said. Members noted that a complete renovation previously was estimated in 2017 at about $1.7 million for restrooms alone and that updated scopes could be larger.

The board said it will continue detailed funding discussions at the Ways and Means committee before committing to long‑term financing for larger renovations.