Commissioners approve funding for mold removal

The Cass County Board of Commissioners put the county’s money where its mouth is, at least as far their commitment to the county’s vintage courthouse goes.

The board voted 6 to 1 to authorize the appropriation of $275,000 from the county’s general fund balance to the capital improvement fund during their meeting Thursday. The funds will be used to pay for mold removal in the former county courthouse, in order to help stabilize the structure for possible restoration work.

The resolution was a follow-up to the commitment the commissioners passed during their previous meeting on Feb. 20, which authorized Administrator Roger Fraser to search for possible sources of funding to pay for the work. According to the resolution, the county has more than $4 million of uncommitted funds that could be used for the remediation.

The mold removal, along with repairs to the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, are necessary first steps toward restoration of the old courthouse, which has been mothballed since 2003, commissioners said.

In addition, members of the courthouse restoration committee provided updates on the status of the project. One of the major items discussed was the collection of surveys sent out to county residents.

“In reviewing the questionnaires, I can tell you that a majority of the respondents are in favor of saving the courthouse and finding a use for it,” said Commissioner Robert Ziliak, the chair of the courthouse committee.

The committee estimates that around 500 questionnaires have been completed and sent to the county. A subcommittee dedicated to tabulating the results is currently compiling the responses, which will be read during the committee’s next meeting of March 19.

“I’m surprised at how many [respondents] shared ideas, at how many times you see the same idea,” said Commissioner Bernie Williams. “I don’t think it will be as fragmented as some folks may think. There’s a lot of room in that building to do the lion’s share of what folks want to do.”

Other resolutions passed on Thursday include:

• A resolution to increase the funding to the veteran’s trust board by $14,000. The board provides periodic, short-term emergency assistance to Cass County veterans.

• A resolution approving the contract for construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Ontwa Township.

• A resolution to move the commissioner’s workshop to April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.