ASHLAND — Ashland County commissioners are considering the construction of a new courthouse or administrative building.
Commissioners last week hired VSWC Architects to provide “programming, planning and conceptual design services” for a new administration building or courthouse.
The firm is being paid $35,000 for its services, paid for by the county’s capital projects line item in its general fund.
Commissioner Jim Justice said county officials have considered the need for a separate building to house the county treasurer, auditor, recorder and tax map offices for years. The courthouse’s security is a concern, as well.
“We were going to move all the administrative offices out and keep it a courthouse — which is what it is,” he said. “But it’s hard to make a single entrance into that building to make it secure like we like to.”
Commissioner Mike Welch said the courthouse is one of the only in the state with ancillary offices within.
The building, located on Second Street in downtown Ashland, houses the treasurer, auditor, tax map office and recorder, along with probate, juvenile and common pleas courts.
The layout, Welch said, makes it difficult for attorneys to meet privately with clients.
The front of 337 Church Street, as pictured Jan. 12, 2023.
Commissioners bought a house on Church Street in March 2023. At the time, they said the plan was to tear down the existing structures and build a new office building that would house offices such as the treasurer, auditor, coroner and others.
But because of the security challenges, commissioner are now exploring the construction of a new courthouse.
Courthouse or administrative building?
“Right now, whether it’s going to be a courthouse, administrative building — I don’t know yet,” Justice said.
The commissioners hesitated to give an estimated cost for the new building, whether it be an administrative building or courthouse. They said they’re only exploring options at this point.
Nevertheless, they said a new such building could cost between $4 million and $6 million.
“We’re hoping we can do this and make a big difference in the community without breaking the bank here,” Justice said.
What’s the scope?
VSWC will assess the condition of the courthouse offices being considered for relation, states the contract.
The firm will also survey employees in those offices and review those results with the employees and the commissioners.
Once that portion of the project is complete, the firm will prepare a “conceptual design site plan, building plans and elevations” and review those plans with the commissioners, states the contract.
Commissioners said they don’t have a timeline, and the contract with VSWC states “it is our understanding that the project is desired to be completed as soon as possible.”