Move to courthouse is still being planned

The Morgan County Commissioners have made more decisions about how to move into the new courthouse, though the exact dates of the move have not yet been determined.

The commission decided the most cost-effective way is to have employees pack up their own files and desk items into rented crates and carts and have Avail Business Systems, Inc. of Johnstown, Pa. move the crates and carts to the new courthouse.

There employees would unpack their own files and desk items. The estimated cost for the move is around $6,000.

Quotes from moving companies to do all the packing, moving and unpacking ranged from $13,000 to $18,000.

In addition, it will cost $56,000 for a moving company to break down all office furniture, move the furniture to the new courthouse and set it up again.

County Administrator Jody McClintock said that cost includes purchase of new furniture and work stations and some reconfiguration and additions to existing furniture.

Custodial services
The commissioners decided to hire a fulltime custodian for the new courthouse.

After reviewing quotes from professional cleaning services that totaled nearly $42,000 per year, they agreed the best route was to hire a fulltime maintenance person.

Commission President Brenda Hutchinson said they would advertise the position.

Hutchinson also said a parttime employee could be added in the future if the workload was too much for one employee.

Magistrate Court building
Not discussed at Thursday’s meeting was whether the sheriff’s law enforcement office will move into the Magistrate Court building or stay out at the Rescue Squad headquarters.

“We have not made a decision yet,” Commissioner Stacy Dugan said on Monday.
Commissioner Hutchinson said one of her concerns is adding a sprinkler system to the Magistrate Court facility. She said she would not move any office into the building without a sprinkler system.