Randy Cowling
Claremore — Change is inevitable. Sometimes it comes naturally, sometimes forced and in many cases there is a choice whether to change or not.
Across northeast Oklahoma many counties have encountered shrinking populations, declining sales tax revenues and crumbling infrastructures. Of the counties bordering Rogers County two have built new courthouses within the past five years and one has made renovations
For years Mayes and Craig county officials dealt with leaking roofs and growing mold problems, not unlike in Rogers County. The Rogers County Courthouse was originally built in 1936.
In both counties, commissioners and local leaders brought forth sales tax propositions for voter approval to build new facilities.
“The fire marshal had threatened to close the doors,” said Alva Martin, Mayes County commissioner. “We were experiencing some mold issues and the courthouse leaked. We didn’t have an outside fire escape.”
The Mayes County courthouse was originally built in the 1917. It was remodeled in the 1950s through the help of Mayes businessman W. A. Graham.
“At the time we looked at it and felt it was better for the county build than fix the old building,” said Martin when the mold issue became a problem.
In 1997 Delaware County voters approved a one half cent sales tax for a four to five year period to pay for renovations to the courthouse and a 61-bed jail at a cost of about $4 million. Once the note was paid, the tax was dissolved and voters approved a 1/20 of a cent sales tax to provide funds for maintenance at the two facilities. The original courthouse was built in 1940.
Over in Craig County, commissioner Roy Bible was experiencing similar challenges.
“We had trouble with mold, our heating and cooling,” Bible said. “Our prison was on the top floor of the courthouse.” Prisoners would clog up sinks, causing water to overflow and leak down into county offices.
“We had real issues,” he said. The courthouse had been built in the 1920s, Bible said.
When Craig County received a mandatory order to replace its jail because of overcrowding and the outdated facilities, Bible said commissioners presented a 1-cent sales tax to voters to build a new jail and courthouse.
The new courthouse and jail cost $8.5 million. The county issued 20-year term bonds to pay for the buildings. Once the bonds are paid from the 3/8 of a cent tax is designated to pay for maintenance at the jail and courthouse, Bible said.
The two buildings are connected, allowing for a secure entrance for inmates being taken to court.
“We told voters we really needed it,” Bible said. “It (sales tax) passed with over 70 percent approval. Everybody that shops in the county helps pay for it.”
Bible said commissioners considered going the ad valorem route, but decided the sales tax was fairer to county residents.
As the only Craig County commissioner who was in office at the time of the vote and eventual construction Bible believes the new jail and courthouse has brought pride to the county’s citizens.
“Everybody seems to be well pleased,” he said. “We have such a nice clean building.”
Mayes County’s courthouse was built adjacent to the old facility at a cost of just under $10 million. Voters approved a 3/8 of a cent sales tax to pay for it.
The county will pay off the bonds by 2025, Martin said. Each year the sales tax generates about $1.2 million.
Lisa Melchior, Mayes County assessor, said county officials could see the construction through their windows. Once the new facility was opened in 2005 the old one was torn down.
Two blocks off Pryor’s main drag, those passing by might mistake the new courthouse for a building that could be found on the Rogers State University campus.
The three-story red brick building has 70,000 sq. ft. on each floor. It contains four full size courtrooms with judicial chambers. All county offices are housed on the first floor and the courtrooms are located on the second floor.
The third floor is where the facilities’ geothermal system is housed. Each county office also has storage areas on the third floor, said Melchior.
“We are proud to have this in the county,” she said. “It’s such a better work environment and you do feel a little bit safer.”
