Bibb County judges say it's time for a new home.
The five Superior Court judges filed an order requiring county commissioners to build a new facility or renovate the existing one within the next two years.
They say the courthouse, built in 1924, does not meet current building codes. They also cite security concerns and say the building is so small that inmates, judges, and jurors are forced to mingle in hallways and chambers during trials.
But the new courthouse is going to be expensive. Officials estimate the cost could be as high as 85-million dollars. Voters would have to approve a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, and that could not legally happen until 2008.
The five Superior Court judges filed an order requiring county commissioners to build a new facility or renovate the existing one within the next two years.
They say the courthouse, built in 1924, does not meet current building codes. They also cite security concerns and say the building is so small that inmates, judges, and jurors are forced to mingle in hallways and chambers during trials.
But the new courthouse is going to be expensive. Officials estimate the cost could be as high as 85-million dollars. Voters would have to approve a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, and that could not legally happen until 2008.
