Published: October 13, 2008 09:48 am            

Commissioners to discuss building projects

Discussion of three proposed building projects tops the list of agenda items on Monday’s meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court.

Projects include a new adult probation building, a new home for the Precinct 1 justice of the peace offices and expansion of the north and south ends of the third floor at the Guinn Justice Center.

Growth and overcrowding problems necessitate a new adult probation location, commissioners have long said. Commissioners hope eventually to sell the current downtown location and get it back on the tax rolls. Designs, cost and a location for the new center remain in the discussion stage.

Commissioners also hope to move the Precinct 1 JP court and offices from the Johnson County Corrections Center to a building known as the Old Band Hall, behind the Guinn Justice Center. The building is located on property purchased by the county when it purchased the Guinn Justice Center from Cleburne ISD several years ago.

The Precinct 1 JP court is too cramped, commissioners said, and the Johnson County Corrections Center also needs use of the space it presently occupies.

Commissioners also plan to discuss expanding and renovating parts of the Guinn building’s third floor, which are vacant. One agenda item proposes moving excess adult probation employees to the north wing of the Guinn until a new adult probation center can be constructed.

Commissioners will also vote on an order calling for a local option election in Rio Vista on Nov. 4. The election would legalize the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption. Voters approved an option election in May by a 118-116 vote, but Judge Ken Curry of the 153rd District Court voided that election Thursday and ordered another.

Curry found that three people voted illegally in the earlier election. Johnson County, not the city of Rio Vista, will hold the election.

Commissioners will also consider the proposed appointments of Charles Hood and Jerry Bailey to the Johnson County Historical Commission.

The Johnson County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. in the Room 201 of the Johnson County Courthouse at 2 Main St. in Cleburne.

        

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