Hancock County adopts plan for criminal justice facility

5/13/2008

FINDLAY - Hancock County commissioners yesterday adopted a master plan that calls for constructing a criminal justice building in downtown Findlay to house the courts, prosecutor, and related offices.

Commissioners plan to hold at least two public hearings to solicit comments and answer questions.

Commissioner Ed Ingold said the board doesn't know yet how much square footage would be required or what the building would cost, though he said a sales tax increase may be the fairest way to finance the plan.

Under the proposal, the courthouse would be used as an administrative building to house noncourt-related offices.

Several county offices, including the commissioners, now rent office space because the August flood severely damaged the county-owned buildings where they had been located.

Public hearings are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 27 and 7 p.m. June 3 at the Hancock County Agricultural Service Center on County Road 140.