Dear Editor:
As your elected officials, we are requesting public support for the tax initiative before the citizens of Kay County on October 8, 2019. Early voting will begin at the Courthouse on Thursday, October
3, and continue on Friday, October 4. This initiative is vital to the continued growth of Kay County and for the sustainability of our current historical courthouse.
As you have probably read, our current courthouse, while stately and beautiful, needs significant improvements to maintain its viability. The roof needs to be replaced as even the slightest rain will cause leaks inside the building. These leaks and the resulting water damage are slowly eroding the integrity of the building and causing significant health and environmental issues. Those issues in addition to the damage that is being done to the soaked documents and equipment must be addressed by the County.
There is also an issue with the heating and air-conditioning in the building. The building still has a boiler system which is antiquated and failing. It is not an issue of if the system will be replaced, but when. The County Commissioners have worked diligently to repair and maintain this system but time has taken its toll and replacement is necessary. There have been times in the summer when no air has been available to the building Without cooling or airflow, the heat in the building can be oppressive.
Likewise, many times in the winter, the heaters have to be turned off because there is no way to adjust the temperature. Courtrooms will be unbearably hot, while other offices are cold. These issues will continue until a new system is in place.
Several core systems in the Courthouse are lacking which in turn prohibits growth in government function and convenience for citizens. Many government functions can be available online if the electrical system at the courthouse could support equipment and computer upgrades. The current system simply cannot keep up with modern advancements. Likewise, simple, core amenities such as availability of restrooms cannot be offered because the current courthouse facility will not allow for modernization without significant overhaul and additional space. The space required in 2019 was simply unimaginable in 1926 when the Courthouse was built.
The proposed Courthouse Annex will allow core County Government to have all of these amenities as we move forward. The design of the new building will ease the burden of heating and cooling these offices, provide adequate restroom facilities ...
