Howard County Quorum Court Approves Next Step in Historic Courthouse Grant Project

The Howard County Quorum Court met in regular session yesterday and took action on a proposed grant project for improvements to the historic Howard County Courthouse.

During the meeting, Michael Rogers of Michael Rogers Design in El Dorado presented an update on the courthouse grant application for historic buildings. Rogers discussed the proposed renovations to the courthouse’s west entrance and west elevation, with an estimated project cost of approximately $151,000.

Rogers also outlined the estimated costs for both Priority One and Priority Two portions of the project.

He explained that, if the grant moves forward, his firm would prepare the construction documents, oversee the bidding process and manage the project on behalf of Howard County. Rogers also noted that the architectural fees are included in the grant and would be covered at 100 percent.

Following discussion, Justice of the Peace Jerry Harwell made a motion to continue pursuing the grant and authorize Michael Rogers Design to prepare cost estimates for the remainder of the courthouse’s west elevation to be used in the architectural plans. Justice of the Peace Andi Hogg seconded the motion.

The measure passed by an 8-to-1 vote. Justice of the Peace Kerri Strasner cast the only vote against the proposal.