JP, constable offices expand in Troup

The Justice of the Peace and constable offices in Troup will soon have a lot more elbow room. Additions to the Troup building currently under construction will almost double the size of the building and consist mainly of a 2,000 sq. ft. addition for the JP offices, said county commissioner Bill McGinnis.

An ADA compliant courtroom designed to seat approximately 50 people is included. Also, new work areas have been built for two civil clerks, two criminal clerks, and two auto registration clerks.

The new addition features a much bigger lobby/waiting area for citizens and more efficient work areas for the staff, said McGinnis. The addition will also create an increase in space of approximately 1,500 sq. ft. for the constable, who will take over the area formerly occupied by the JP and his staff.

A building on the property currently used for storage will be removed allowing room for expansion of the parking area.

Approximately $100,000 was budgeted in the 2006-2007 budget, from the Facilities Im- provement Fund, for the addition, improvements, furniture and fixtures, said McGinnis.

Landscaping is included in the budget, as is new signage.

All of the interior finish work is being done in-house by Smith County Physical Plant employees, augmented by skilled labor trustys provided by the Smith County Sheriff's Department.