Cass sets hearing on building addition
Proposal is to sell bonds to pay for addition to social services building
PINE RIVER -- The Cass County Board will hold a public hearing at the 6 p.m. July 5 board meeting in Pillager on the county proposal to sell bonds to finance an addition to the social services building in Walker.
Tuesday, the board authorized proceeding with the addition to move health services from the Walker Clinic building to social services.
Additionally, the board proposes to move the Council on Aging office back to the social services building from the courthouse.
An office in the addition would be provided for a county attorney's office employee who works closely with social services staff on child services and space would be provided for computer services.
The board delayed a decision Tuesday on whether to remodel or demolish the former Hope Lutheran Church building purchased late last year.
Some commissioners would like to see the land used for expanded courthouse complex parking. Others believe the former church should be remodeled for additional county offices and meeting rooms.
Space in the courthouse currently being used by veterans service office, Mississippi Headwaters Board and extension services is needed for other courthouse offices, board members have stated.
The commissioners who would like to see Hope remodeled have suggested those offices could move to the Hope building.
Administrator Robert Yochum reported Tuesday the Mississippi Headwaters and extension could fit into the health services space in the Walker Clinic building when health services moves to the social services addition.
Cost for adapting the clinic building space would be only $5,000, he said.
Another option could be moving veterans service, Mississippi Headwaters or extension into a new land office building being considered in Backus, he added.
The county building committee will further evaluate options before the board makes any additional decisions.
Tuesday, the board voted to authorize Court Administrator Paulette Storm to use $2,500 from her budget to move a counter to increase staff space and diminish public reception space in that courthouse office.