County Office Building use

Questioned why the county would change a state-of-the-art building approved 3-2 in 2023, asked for state-approved floor plans, and urged more transparency.

The county librarian said repurposing would strain already-struggling county budgets and the library opposes it.

Said he'd vote not to change the building and spend the money on schools, sheriff, and seniors instead; returned later to ask the audience not to hold him accountable if elected.

Opposed the $3.8 million spend given tax collection shortfalls and library budget cuts; raised crowding and parking/traffic safety concerns.

After reading a week of minutes, asked what the plan is for the current building if DSS takes the new one; chairman said county offices would stay put.

Said DSS deserves a purpose-built building, not an afterthought; compared the situation to the rejected $4 million airport grant and urged the county to stay the course.

Asked Commissioner Casey Joe Johnson — the only one who hadn't spoken — to share his position on the building.