(From a Memo from Mayor Ed Mitchell to County Commission)
Over the last 3 years, we have been working on the overall maintenance of the Blount County Courthouse. This has entailed a new metal roof for the 1907 section of the original courthouse along with new windows. I am happy to say they turned out beautiful. We have also done extensive repairs on the ceiling and walls in the original 1907 part where there had been some water damage due to the leaking roof and windows, in addition to much needed maintenance work to the clock tower.
Attached copies of infrared imaging of the old windows versus new windows showing the major heat loss improvements a result of the new window installation.
The Highway Department was able to reconfigure the parking lot behind the Courthouse and make it easier to park with more customer parking being available. They also repaved the parking area next to the Courthouse, as well as the County’s parking lot near the pavilion and amphitheater. We were also able to install an awning leading to the rear entrance with a new safer cross walk. All this has allowed us to provide easier access to our citizens to do their business at the Blount County Courthouse.
We have completed the final stages of installing new energy efficient windows in the remaining offices, as well as a new roof for the flat sections of the building. Most of the outdated inefficient heating and air units have been replaced and we are continuing to replace those that fail as needed. All these updates, along with the new War Memorial monument and the beautiful landscaping of the lawn, has made the Blount County Courthouse something that I hope all Blount Countians can be proud of for many years to come. This Courthouse has stood proud for 110 years and represented our County well. Hopefully with these much needed repairs and updates, it will serve us well for another 110 years, and will continue to be a structure our grandchildren and great grandchildren can be proud of.