KAUFMAN COUNTY–Kaufman County Commissioners met in a workshop Jan. 9 and discussed courthouse renovations and plans. 
Commissioners reviewed a preliminary floorplan and provided feedback to Judge Jakie Allen. Commissioner Pct. 1 Mike Hunt stated that he didn’t have a preference as to where the offices were located, all that mattered to him was that the “heart and soul” (plumbing and electrical) was all redone appropriately. Hunt also suggested that the security measures be relaxed for those entering the courthouse for day-to-day business that does not involve law enforcement. 
Commissioner Pct. 2 Skeet Phillips agreed with Hunt and continued saying the public offices that interact with people on a daily basis should be at the first floor and employees on the second floor. Phillips also felt that the marriage licenses, real estate records, birth certificates should be housed in the historic courthouse. 
Commissioner Pct. 3 Terry Barber agreed with the Pct. 1 and 2 commissioners regarding the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Barber did feel it was important to get the input of the people who would be housed in these buildings. “We need to get some input on what they need and the space they need. Do they need four desks in this room or just two? They need to be involved in that process,” said Barber. He continued stating that, “I like the idea of (the building) being open to the public.” 
Commissioner Pct. 4 Tommy Moore stated that he agreed with the other commissioners regarding the updates. Moore did state he was concerned about the parking at the historical courthouse. 
Judge Jakie Allen weighed in stating that he agreed with Commissioner Pct. 2 Skeet Phillips that commissioner’s court should be on the ground floor instead of the top floor utilizing the existing courtroom that is already there. Allen agreed also that those who will be in the building should also weigh in on the design. He also felt that the HVAC, roof, plumbing, data etc is adequate for the uses of the building. 
Allen continued, “I think everyone needs to have a say. It’s for the citizens’ because that’s what it’s for. Not just us the employees.” Allen informed the commissioners that the front vestibule will be removed within the next two to three months to become in compliance with the historical commission. 
Window replacement or other alternatives were also discussed, with the architect saying they would look into various options to best suit the courthouse. Handicap accessible entrances were also discussed, and the steps needed to make it compliant.  
Final decisions will be made regarding the courthouse renovations, after meeting with the various offices that are to be located in the building to determine needs and requirements. 
Also discussed was the commissioner’s court agenda process and deadlines. Allen suggested the commissioner’s move the deadline day back one day as some commissioners are not in office on Fridays. “It doesn’t give you much or any time to research anything that is on the agenda. Or to ask questions. So if you don’t mind I’d like to make Wednesday at noon the deadline for your submissions, making Thursday the final draft to go out. Any item that is a new item would need to be voted on, unless it's an emergency, would have to wait until the following week,” stated Allen. Commissioner Hunt stated that supporting documentation also needed to be submitted at the same time. The motion was passed unanimously. 
Upon returning from executive session, the court agreed to pass a temporary resolution to place the properties located in “the notch” back into Kaufman County for tax appraisal purposes while the litigation case No. 21-00150 Kaufman County, Texas vs. Henderson County, Texas is pending.