The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution signaling their intent to move the District Court from its current location downtown to a new location at 25 Care Drive. The move was discussed during Tuesday’s regular board meeting. Commissioner Doug Ingles presented the resolution, which passed with a 3-2 vote.
Commissioners Kevin Collins and Brent Leininger voted against it.
The resolution confirms that the county will proceed with relocating the court once funding is secured. The county’s budget committee and finance officer were directed to review the costs and develop a funding plan. They’re expected to present a proposal to the commissioners at the next meeting.
Finance Officer Derek Ringman said finding the nearly $4-million will be a challenge. It will likely involve making deep cuts. Ringman said the county’s budget margins are already razor thin.
Commissioner Collins asked if a millage would be a possibility, rather than layoffs. Chairman Mark Wiley said a millage would be preferable to job cuts,
The move to 25 Care Drive, which currently houses Lifeways Community Mental Health, was initially put into motion when the commissioners agreed to sell the Courthouse Annex building back in April of 2023.
The county has already approved spending $129,995 for architectural and engineering services from Expressive Architecture to prepare the new space. Swint Consulting Services has provided an initial estimate of $3.57 million for the renovation of 25 Care Drive to make it suitable for the court.