Renovation moves ahead on Neshoba courthouse

By By William F. West / community editor
Jan. 28, 2003
PHILADELPHIA As city leaders plan to restore the old railroad depot, Neshoba County officials look forward to moving back into a renovated courthouse.
Located on the town square, the courthouse is undergoing a $3 million renovation funded by a bond issue. County Administrator Benjie Coats said plans call for the project to be completed in about a year.
The courthouse dates back to 1928, but its condition in recent years has been a concern of grand juries. The Neshoba County Board of Supervisors looked at various options and decided a complete renovation was best.
In December, the chancery clerk, circuit clerk, county administrator, superintendent of education and tax assessor/collector moved into temporary offices in Eastgate Shopping Center at 1120 E. Main St.
The sheriff's department also moved out of the courthouse and into the the county's law enforcement and jail center at 920 Chestnut St.
Coats said the sheriff's department will maintain offices at both the law enforcement center and the courthouse after the courthouse is renovated.
Coats said the only county agency still using the courthouse is the Justice Court.
He said plans call for moving it into a former retail store being renovated across from the courthouse at 200 Byrd Ave.