Future of courthouse will be key issue in 2010 Referendum will be on February primary election ballot

As 2009 came to an end, the Union County Board of Commissioners continued to focus on an issue which will be a focal point in 2010.

The future of the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro was on the agenda when the commissioners met Monday afternoon, Dec. 21. The meeting was at the courthouse.

The commissioners will be pushing hard in coming weeks to gain support for passage of a sales tax referendum which will be on the ballot in the February 2010 Union County primary election.

Voters will be asked to approve a 1 percent increase in the county's share of the local sales tax.

Should the proposal be approved by voters, it would generate funds for the construction of a new county courthouse.

County officials have been meeting with local groups and organizations to share information about the need for a new courthouse. The existing facility dates to the late 1850s.

In coming weeks, county officials are hoping to schedule public meetings to present information about the courthouse and the need for a new facility.

County commissioner Don Denny noted last week that he has been approached by people who want to tour the existing facility.

County commissioner Randy Lambdin said that people he has met understand the need for a new building.

"I've been hearing some pretty positive feedback," Lambdin said.

Further discussion is anticipated as the primary election draws closer.

In other business at last week's meeting:

The commissioners approved four-year contracts for Union County Ambulance Service director Bill Bowen and assistant director Grant Capel.

The commissioners approved the appointment of Carl Rendleman to the Union County Hospital District board.

The comissioners recommended community members Sandy Williams, Tommy Baker and Paula Stairs to serve as representatives to the Southern Pride organization, which is overseeing senior citizens' programs at the Sunshine Inn community center in Anna.