County Questions -

The Nez Perce County Courthouse was built in 1889, added onto in 1928 and 1973. Several issues have plagued the building in recent years which include electrical, plumbing, and heating/air conditioning problems. These issues impact ongoing maintenance costs and in some cases the safety of our civil servants. Other challenges with the building are meeting ADA requirements that are now law and providing public safety. Nez Perce County has been budgeting conservatively and encouraging growth in the tax base for several years to prepare for the capital expense we know is coming with our 130 year old courthouse. Estimated construction costs are $40 million dollars for a new courthouse. Prior savings, low interest rates, and the current budget are projected to be sufficient to fund the project (within the County's annual budget) over a 20 year period. The Nez Perce County Courthouse belongs to you, and the Nez Perce County Commissioners are asking for input on how to proceed.