By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur officials are ecstatic over Adams County’s decision to keep two courts and a new “justice center” downtown, and are ready to assist seeking a solution to a problem the county’s decision might bring about.
“I think it’s great for our downtown, great for foot traffic,” Mayor Dan Rickord said at the latest council meeting, referring to the final decision made by the county commissioners.
That decision will see superior court joining circuit court in the courthouse.
In addition, five county departments are likely to be shifted into a “justice center” to be constructed in the downtown area.
That might mean the loss of the county-owned parking lot near the current superior court building (old library).
Anyway, county officials are asking city officials to assist in seeking an area or areas where a new parking lot could be constructed.
“The (county) commissioners are asking for a degree of support,” City Attorney Anne Razo said.
That support was readily offered after some discussion.
In addition, Councilman Matt Dyer said, “I would encourage county council to fund this. There has been a need for this for 20 years.”
Dyer said at an April meeting that all 92 Indiana counties have their courthouses in the downtown area.
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