Seneca Co. commissioners OK borrowing $500,000
Money could be used toward shared justice center
8/28/2014TIFFIN — Seneca County commissioners authorized a $500,000 state loan application Tuesday that could be used for a proposed justice center shared with the city of Tiffin.
Commissioners voted 2-1 to proceed with an application for a 10-year, no-interest state loan. Commissioner Holly Stacy, president of the board, opposed the application. Commissioners Jeffrey Wagner and Fred Zoeller agreed to proceed.
If awarded by the state, the commissioners must vote again to spend any of the loan money. The funds are targeted at the proposed construction of an $8.5 million joint justice center to house the common pleas courts and Tiffin Municipal Court.
A state-funded study recommended the county and city build a new facility at the site of the former county courthouse, razed in 2012.
No decision has been made regarding where or if to build a courts building.
Ms. Stacy, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, expressed reservations last week about applying for a loan before officials make that decision.
Tiffin City Council approved the loan application last week.