Marshall Democrat-News: Local News: New life for old jail (10/22/09)

Southern District Commissioner Richard "Dick" Hassler tosses refuse from the annex into a dumpster Wednesday, Oct. 21, as county officials worked to prepare a portion of the annex for a new tenant.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)
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As they removed old electronic equipment and surplus office materials from the Courthouse Annex Wednesday, Oct. 21, Saline County Commissioners announced that a tenant has been secured for that facility. A lease is expected to be signed soon, at which time more information will be made public.

The annex building, located at 153 S. Odell Ave, is currently being used only for storage of equipment and old files, but it was once the Saline County Jail.

Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner said the jail was built in 1933. Until 1980, it also served as the home of many county sheriffs, who had special living quarters there, Sheriff Wally George said.

Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner pitches in Wednesday, Oct. 21, to help remove items from the old jail.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
In April 1998, George and his department vacated the old jail for the newer Saline County Justice Facility. Since then, it also served as the home of Saline County Extension, which moved to a different location in early 2006.

Only the first floor of the annex has been rented, and it is the part that formerly was office space and living quarters, commissioners said. The second floor of the building and the former jail cells themselves will not be used by the new tenant and may continue to be used as storage space for the county.

The majority of the annex is in fairly good condition, though paint could be seen peeling away from the jail cell walls and some ceilings. There was also significant damage to one wall, but Plattner said the new tenant plans to make repairs before moving in.

Northern District Commissioner Norvelle "Brownie" Brown helps as county officials work Oct. 21 to prepare the old jail for a new occupant.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)
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Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

Related story:
Local Extension office makes move:
www.marshallnews.com/story/1135137.html

Lots of miscellaneous stuff, including these cubicle dividers, has accumulated in the couthouse annex over the years.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)
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You sure don't see any comments when it comes to questioning the legality of the counties action???? I truly thought someone would attempt to prove me wrong....No Takers on the issue?

-- Posted by Gumby on Sun, Oct 25, 2009, at 12:01 AM

I think if you research the matter, the State Auditors Office will deem renting out county owned buildings instead of taking bids and selling them is against the law??

I'm sure the Auditors Office will make that point known in the next county audit??

-- Posted by Gumby on Thu, Oct 22, 2009, at 11:14 PM

A possible new business in town, can't wait for more information!!

-- Posted by Scarpetta on Thu, Oct 22, 2009, at 10:11 AM