Those working in the old Logan County courthouse are now taking off their coats and sweaters thanks to the heat being turned back on after several weeks of it being off. Those who work in the courthouse have been closing doors and using space heaters to keep warm.

The very old heating and cooling system fell victim to a courthouse renovation project that began soon after the new justice center was built and most moved out. During the renovation a portion of the piping was cut into, which prompted a visit from the state’s boiler inspector who said the system was not up to state standards and must be replaced. The water system is run off two 30 year old boilers and a 10-year-old chiller.

The judge/executive’s offices, county attorney and child support division all call the old courthouse home, and it’s the county’s intention to solicit more space for future tenets, which is why they chose to renovate some of the building in the first place, even though the idea has now turned into somewhat of a costly venture.

At first the county thought they would have to replace the whole system right away, fortunately they were granted some time and were allowed to just repair the section that was cut into so the heat could be turned back on through the winter months. The state did require the county to come up with a plan of action of replacement by spring.

Fiscal Court went ahead and made the decision on what type of system to put in. The magistrates chose the same water pipe system that they had before, which would require replacing all the piping in the building along with other related items such as radiators. The old boilers and chiller can be salvaged. According to the court, the old system was very economical. The court also took into effect the $30,000 spent for piping to turn the heat back on, which would have been lost if they chose a different system.

It is anticipated the total cost for replacement could be in the thousands; however, the actual bids have yet to be opened.