Olivia P Tucker
Times Reporter
Scott County Council voted to approve using $600,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase property from the city of Scottsburg at their regular meeting on December 12.
As a way for the country to aid in the health and economic effects of COVID-19, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 granted $1.9 trillion to that effort.
On Nov. 30 in separate, simultaneous meetings, both the Scottsburg Common Council and the Scott County Board of Commissioners agreed to the property sale at 2 E McClain Ave. also known as Scottsburg City Hall.
Scott County agreed to use $600,000 from ARPA funds for the purchase of Scottsburg City Hall to turn into a county government center.
Scottsburg will be moving its city hall offices to the Mid-America Science Park, 821 S. Lake Road, on the city’s west side. Scottsburg will use the county’s purchase payment to renovate MASP for city office space.
Mayor Terry Amick said that the city will transition slowly into the Mid-America Science Park facility as to not disrupt city services or office functions. But, according to the purchase agreement, the city must turn over occupancy of the building at the courthouse corner of Main St. & McClain Ave., by Dec. 31, 2024 or 365 days from closing, which ever is later.
The council voted 5-1 with Eric Gillespie opposing the decision. Gillespie said that his reason for opposing was due to the cost of potential renovations on both the courthouse and the current city hall being more than the anticipated amount of $400,000.
Diana Mullins was not present during the vote.
Following the council’s approval to spend the money to expand courthouse offices, Scott County Circuit Court Judge Jason Mount said, “I know it’s a big decision and I know it’s a lot of money. We are dealing with a crisis upstairs, not only in the court system but also in the prosecutor’s office. I understand frustration on my part as well as far as the timeline with respect and not being able to take possession of that building for another year. I understand that and it is what it is. I also understand that it also puts us on an 18 to 24 month track to really get any relief. I appreciate the support we got, I do think that is the best way forward.”