By Rita Brhel
Northeast Nebraska News
HARTINGTON — The Cedar County Commission has made a decision about how to proceed with the courthouse renovation, opting to pursue the construction of a new addition to the existing courthouse — a project estimated to cost $1.25 million.

Its gotten to the point where we need to give our architect a sense of direction,Commissioner Fred Pinkelman said during the boards regular meeting on Tuesday in Hartington. We need to keep this project moving, because weve been working on this for a little over a year.
The Commission unanimously voted to approve Option E of the renovation choices, which would allow for the construction of a one-story addition to the existing courthouse, as well as an elevator that would service all three floors of the existing courthouse and the one floor of the addition. The addition would house all of the services currently located on the upper floor of the courthouse, and would be located on the north or south side of the existing building.
In addition, the Commission would like to insulate the attic and renovate the windows of the existing courthouse as part of the project.
The next step for the courthouse renovation is to request detailed plans for construction of the addition and elevator, as well as a more precise cost estimate.
For months, the Commission has sought input from Cedar County residents as to which direction voters would approve. Board members said they have received little feedback, but the majority of people voicing opinions opposed the construction of an entirely new courthouse.

I would be opposed to building a new building, County Clerk Dave Dowling agreed. Id hate to see this building set empty.
Both Dowling and Pinkelman said theyve heard a number of comments from people that there werent that concerned with which option was selected, just that all of the existing courthouses needs in handicapped accessibility, fire codes and courtroom security are met.
The bottom line is, theyre saying not to go half-way so that we have to do this all over again down the road. Just get the job done all at once, Pinkelman said.
He understands that not everyone will be happy with their choice, but that the Option E is the best way for the existing courthouse to address its lacking without constructing an entirely new structure.
No matter what we do, some people are going to agree and some people are going to disagree, Pinkelman said. Thats just the nature of the beast.
The judges say we need courtroom security. The ADA says we need handicapped accessible bathrooms and stairwells, Commission Marlen Kraemer agreed. It isnt that we want to spend the money, but that we have to meet the rules and regulations.

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