Floyd County to buy Chase building, future of judicial building still under discussion

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Floyd County is growing, and county leaders said it needs to expand its city offices and courts.

In a joint meeting Friday of the Floyd County Council and Commission, the group announced its plans to purchase the Chase building on Spring Street and expand several official office spaces there.

The purchase was made possible thanks to some leftover American Rescue Plan funds and revenue from a previous tax. No taxpayer money will be used.

"I think it's huge for us," Floyd County Council President Danny Short said Friday. "We have space constraints. We're a growing county. We've identified the need for more courts, and the current building just doesn't have enough space."

While the Chase building will help house some county offices, some renters will be allowed to stay in the building. Floyd County still needs a separate judicial center to meet its needs.

A consultant did a review of the current judicial building and found asbestos, lead paint and a cracking foundation. It could cost $18.2 million to do a partial rehabilitation of the building, a complete remodel would be $33.6 million and new construction would be $35.2 million.

"To build exactly what we need for the next 50-plus years, we're going to have to pay for it," said Al Knable, president of the Floyd County Commissioners. "And, in regards to that, my preference would be a referendum and let the taxpayer decide if they want to make that investment."

County leaders didn't make a decision on the judicial building Friday. The group hopes people wishing to weigh in will attend future public meetings. The hope is a final decision will be made in the fall.