The Moore County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 15 to discuss the findings of a study of the County's space needs prepared by an outside consulting firm.
Meeting the County's anticipated needs over the next ten years, would cost $40 million, according to a study conducted by Chinn Planning, Inc. The space study cost $50,000 and was completed in September of 2012.
The top three needs for additional space are: building a new judicial center for $25 million, updating the historic courthouse for $2.3 million, and building a new library for $2.7 million.
The Commissioners, along with Property Management Director Rich Smith, discussed other needs, including the cramped quarters of the Clerk of Court’s office.
When the Sheriff’s Office vacates the basement of the Court House and moves to the Rick Rhyne Public Safety Center, the Clerk should be able to utilize that space, Smith explained. The Sheriff is expected to move in April.
Although the Chinn study assumes a ten year outline for the $40 million in space additions and renovations, the Commissioners have decided to create their own timetable.
The Board decided that a committee should be formed, with two Commissioner representatives, to plan for the space needs of the County, taking into account the Chinn study and doing its own firsthand analysis.
That committee was formed during the Commissioner’s regular Tuesday, January 15 meeting. Dubbed "The Facilities Task Force," it will include Chairman Nick Picerno and Commissioner Larry Caddell.
The Commissioners expressed a desire, during Tuesday's Work Session, to bring together more County operations under one roof.
“We are scattered all over the County,” said Commissioner Jimmy Melton. “With the study, we can actually start planning and allocating . . . rather then patch things along like they’ve done in the past.”
Commissioner Craig Kennedy said he felt confident that by putting money away and paying for projects along the way, the County could meet its needs for additional space.
“We can do the things we want to do,” said Kennedy, “without making increases to the taxpayer.”
Kennedy said one way to economize is to consolidate buildings to save on maintenance and utility costs.
Commissioner Randy Saunders questioned the need for some of items recommended in the Chinn study, and added that plans for County buildings should also take into account the needs of the Moore County Schools [MCS].
During the Board’s retreat at the beginning of January, MCS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence told the Commissioners that many of the County's schools are more than 45 years old and will need updating.
Property Manager Smith expressed confidence in the Chinn study, telling the Commissioners: “It’s a relevant plan and worth following,” adding, “Yes, I would use that plan.”
No date was set for the newly created Facilities Task Force to complete its work and present its findings to the Commissioners.
