Brooke County judicial annex progressing
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WELLSBURG -- Work on the Brooke County Judicial Annex continues, with the Brooke County Commission hopeful for a September opening.
Commission President A.J. Thomas said Tuesday while crews continue to work inside the 33,000-square-foot, three-story building, the contractor is awaiting a backup generator required by the state Fire Marshal's Office.
Supply chain issues earlier delayed the arrival of materials for the building, which is being built by Rycon Construction of Pittsburgh adjacent to the existing courthouse.
Thomas said if the generator hasn't arrived when the building is completed, it could be possible to employ a temporary one.
During their meeting Tuesday, the commissioners were asked by the Rev. Brian Knight about its plans to hire additional security guards.
Thomas said they and Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty are developing a security plan for the new building and existing courthouse.
Thomas said, following the meeting, that a security guard will continue to be posted at the main entrance of the latter building and it's likely the walk-through metal detector will remain since the sheriff's department will continue to operate there.
While the county's circuit, magistrate and family court facilities, probation department and prosecutor's office are slated to move into the judicial center, several county departments will remain in the present building.
Thomas said plans call for its main courtroom to be maintained, noting it could accommodate hearings when courtrooms at the judicial center are booked.
But he also noted the magistrate courtroom in the new building has been designed to serve a circuit court trial, with a full jury box, to allow two trials to be scheduled there at the same time.
"I'd also like to see the county commission use it (the main courtroom) for its meeting room," said Thomas.
A lack of space in the existing courthouse and a desire to upgrade security for the county's court facilities spurred plans to build the judicial center.
The $12.8 million project is being supported by the sale of bonds.