The Knox County Commissioners have approved the first stage of a comprehensive plan to tear down, build new, and remodel several county buildings.

Commissioner TJ Brink emphasized that the $16 million project will proceed without introducing new taxes.

The plan includes demolishing the historic poor farm to make way for a new Emergency Management Facility. The facility will house the 911 central dispatch, Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and the Coroner’s Office.

Brink expressed regret over the demolition, stating, “The cost estimates to try to save the poor farm are simply not realistic. It has been neglected for far too long.” The county will notify the National Register of Historic Places and Indiana Landmarks of their intentions before demolition begins.

President of the Commissioners, Kellie Streeter, also commented saying she met with National Register of Historic Places officials at the state fair recently asking them about the structure….

Additionally, the old jail and community corrections building will be torn down once the dispatch center is relocated. That demolition does not include the original jail where the probation department is now located.

In its place, a new courthouse annex will be built to house court services and veteran services.

The existing courthouse will undergo limited remodeling to accommodate taxing units of government.

Commissioner Trent Hinkle stressed that the the various parts of the project will be done in phases and not concurrently.

The decision was made after going over several proposals that were presented to the commissioners and reviewing recommendations from a space study committee.

Further details of the plan will be finalized once the design stage is complete.

The Commissioners have entered into an agreement with RQAW for a proposal for professional services for the survey and design phases of the project.