Board Approves Courthouse Porch Repairs; Updates on Maintenance Projects

Montgomery County Board Meeting | Nov. 12, 2025

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board authorized nearly $18,000 in repairs for the Historic Courthouse porch and addressed maintenance issues caused by recent flooding in the basement record storage area.

Maintenance Key Points:

• Porch Restoration: Cinric Painting awarded a $17,900 contract to repair and paint the south porch of the Historic Courthouse.

• Flood Damage: Maintenance crews cleaned the County Clerk’s record storage area after tree roots collapsed gutter pipes, causing flooding.

• Grant Usage: A DCEO grant will fund new cushions for the County Board Room seating.

HILLSBORO, Ill. – Preservation of the Historic Courthouse was a primary focus for the Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, as members approved funding for exterior renovations.

Buildings & Grounds Committee Chairman Mark Hughes presented a proposal from Cinric Painting to repair and paint the south porch of the Historic Courthouse. The $17,900 project will include repairs to columns, molding, trim, handrails, and second-story corbels. The board unanimously approved the expenditure for Fiscal Year 2026.

Maintenance Director Phil Ernst reported on recent challenges at the facility, specifically regarding water intrusion. Ernst told the committee that the County Clerk’s record storage area in the basement required cleaning following flooding. The issue was traced to gutter pipes that had collapsed due to tree branches. The line will need to be replaced and rerouted to prevent future damage.

In other maintenance news, the board is moving forward with improvements to the County Board Room using a $10,000 DCEO grant. Quotes are being reviewed for new cushions for the bench-style seating and potential refinishing work on the judge’s bench and railing.