Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Quorum Court Hears Plans for Annex

A decision is expected on the Clark County Courthouse situation at the next meeting of the Clark County Quorum Court.

During the court's regular meeting Monday night, the justices decided to look at an annex for the current structure along with complete renovation of the existing courthouse. An appropriation ordinance will be presented to the court at its November meeting.

JP Bill Moorman discussed how the situation had been handled to date. He said research done with attorneys into county government and state constitution showed the county judge can pretty much do what he wants with county property. However, the judge needs the approval of the court before any funds can be appropriated.

Moorman said the court may have acted illegally when it voted on whether Clark County Judge Grady Runyan cold sign an easement with the Arkansas Historical Society in order to get a grant to help with renovation costs.

Once Moorman was done, Runyan asked the court to do something about the courthouse and accepted a proposal for annexation. However, if the court does not approve the annexation at its November meeting, Runyan suggested putting the issue in the voters' hands in the 1996 General Election.

The court was given a presentation by Jerry Simmons and Robert Burchfield, with Twin River Architects in Arkadelphia. They showed the justices sketches of the proposed annexation along with a computer generated three dimensional walkthrough of what the annexation will look like. The 3-D view allowed the JP's to see the proposed plans from all angles.

The annexation will consist of two stories, with one courtroom and space available for a second if it's needed. The majority of county offices will relocate into the annex, which will be constructed between the current structure and the Clark County Jail.

The existing courthouse will be renovated, with the County Judge staying in the old portion, with his offices being expanded and enlarged. The asbestos will be removed from the roof, the basement sealed, insulated windows installed, along with a heating and air conditioning system and sprinklers.

Runyan said representatives from the historical society have examined the plans and given their approval as the annexation will not affect the appearance of the courthouse's exterior.

The annexation will cost $2,492,250. There will be 8,785 square feet on the first floor, with an additional 4,950 square feet of space on the second floor. This will add another 13,735 square feet to the current 15,500 square feet of space available.

Runyan said the county has $2 million on hand at this time, and the rest of the funds can be pulled from county general funds. He said the county most likely won't need the remaining $500,000 until this time next year, and it will be there when it's needed.

In other business, the court approved load limits for county bridges. The fines will be set by the County Judge who will follow standards set by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. In addition, Runyan was given approval for setting speed limits on county roads, also under guidelines from the AHTD.