Old Courthouse Ad-Hoc Committee 7/30/26

The Sumner County Old Courthouse Ad-Hoc Committee met on July 30, 2026, to discuss procurement and project planning related to the renovation and repurposing of the old courthouse building. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and moved forward with authorizing the issuance of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for architectural and related services, with a budget allocation of up to $100,000 from the local capital projects restricted fund balance. The RFQs cover multiple scopes including architectural assessment, community engagement, and economic analysis, with an emphasis on broad public involvement and outreach across the county. The committee discussed the importance of selecting a qualified firm capable of managing public meetings and integrating community feedback into the project design. They also planned a timeline for RFQ posting, walkthroughs, proposal evaluations, and subsequent meetings to review submissions and engage with the selected architect. Additionally, the committee considered a holiday lighting proposal for the courthouse, estimated at around $16,000, discussing potential partnerships and funding sources including city collaboration and corporate sponsorships. The meeting concluded with plans to continue coordination on procurement and community engagement efforts in the coming months.