Buildings & Grounds Committee: Moves to Restore Courthouse Porch; EV Stations Proposed

Montgomery County Buildings & Grounds Committee | October 2025

Article Summary: The Buildings & Grounds Committee has advanced a proposal to restore the south porch of the Historic Courthouse. Hillsboro officials also pitched a plan to install electric vehicle charging stations on county property.

Buildings & Grounds Key Points:

• Restoration: The committee recommended a $17,900 bid from Cinric Painting to repair the Historic Courthouse south porch.

• Infrastructure: Hillsboro proposed installing grant-funded EV charging stations near the library and Courthouse Square.

• Veterans Honor: The DAR received permission to mount a plaque honoring General Richard Montgomery.

The Montgomery County Buildings & Grounds Committee on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, moved forward with preservation efforts for the Historic Courthouse and considered modern infrastructure additions.

Maintenance Director Phil Ernst presented a proposal from Cinric Painting to repair and paint the south porch of the Historic Courthouse for $17,900. The scope of work includes repairs to columns, molding, trim, handrails, and soffits. The committee voted to recommend the proposal to the full board for the FY2026 budget.

Hillsboro City Commissioner Kendra Wright and Mayor Don Downs presented a proposal to install grant-funded Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The city hopes to place one station near the library and another on Courthouse Square. Wright requested the use of county internet to process payments for the chargers. Committee member Russell Beason raised concerns about usage rates, but Wright noted there are currently 40 registered EVs in the county. Discussion on connectivity will continue with the IT department.

In other business, the committee approved a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to install a bronze plaque at the Courthouse Complex honoring General Richard Montgomery, the county’s namesake.

Buildings & Grounds Committee Briefs

• Elevator Repaired: Maintenance Director Phil Ernst reported that the Historic Courthouse elevator was repaired on October 20 following a traveling cable replacement and is fully operational.

• Flooding Issues: Recent flooding in the County Clerk’s record storage area was attributed to collapsed gutter pipes caused by tree roots. The line will be replaced and rerouted.

• County Farm Lease: The lease for the County Farm expires on April 30, 2026. The administration will prepare to advertise for bids early next year.

• Board Room Upgrades: County Board Administrator Mike Plunkett is seeking quotes to re-cushion the bench seating and refinish the judge’s bench in the County Board Room using DCEO grant funds.