County administrator outlines courthouse elevator closure, parking study and tire-amnesty options

The county administrator reported two near-term courthouse projects and potential community disposal events. The courthouse elevator is scheduled to be shut down starting Nov. 2 for approximately eight weeks for repair work; staff will coordinate court, sheriff and agency access during that period.

On parking, the administrator said a $250,000 FY27 allocation was intended for parking expansion behind the courthouse; engineering review suggests that simply clearing the grass between two small lots would create about eight spaces, while fuller expansion would trigger stormwater and critical-area requirements that substantially increase cost. Commissioners discussed resurfacing priorities and agreed to stay within the approved capital allocation unless bids exceed the budget.

The administrator also described available funds in the MRF (recycling fund) derived from a $5 fee per ton and proceeds from recyclables. He proposed a residential tire-amnesty day using that fund with a likely cap (roughly two tons per household) and said MES is pursuing a $1.3 million statewide program to host an agricultural tire event in counties that secure local support letters. Staff will follow up with MES and the Farm Bureau about state funding and local caps.