The Todd County Fiscal Court meeting on September 13, 2024, focused on securing funding for significant rehabilitation efforts at the historic courthouse. The meeting highlighted a proposal for the Historic Tye County (HTC) to pursue a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $750,000, aimed at enhancing accessibility and preserving the building's historical integrity.
Key discussions centered around the need for an elevator to improve access to the second floor, which is currently difficult for many older visitors. The proposed CDBG funds would specifically target Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, allowing for the installation of the elevator and the addition of a second restroom on the second floor. The project also includes necessary structural reinforcements to support the elevator's weight.
HTC representatives expressed gratitude for previous funding that had been allocated to other community projects, such as the senior citizen center, while emphasizing the importance of the courthouse as a cultural landmark for Todd County. They noted that the courthouse has undergone various renovations since 2004, including repairs to the clock and updates to the building's windows and doors.
In addition to the CDBG grant, HTC is also seeking a $75,000 grant from the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) program to help cover matching funds required for the CDBG application. Together, these grants would provide a total of $825,000 for the courthouse rehabilitation.
The meeting concluded with a strong endorsement of the courthouse's historical significance, with HTC representatives urging the fiscal court to support their funding requests to ensure the preservation and accessibility of this vital community resource.