By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Polk County Commissioners have postponed a decision whether to replace the courthouse retaining wall after the bids came back at $94,160.

Commissioners met April 18 and heard from engineer Dave Odom who was asked by the county to look at options for repairing and/or replacing the wall surrounding the courthouse, which has damage.

Commissioner chairman Michael Gage brought up the issue of the courthouse wall during a recent meeting.

Odom said he met with a specialist on the wall and there were three different alternatives. He sent out requests for bids to six contractors and received pricing from three contractors. Odom said it’s his opinion that the best approach is to replace the entire retaining wall.

“We spent a good bit of time inspecting the entire length and have come to the conclusion that what we bid is the best option,” Odom said. “Our biggest concern is we don’t feel we could get a uniform look if we only do part of it. Additionally, further investigation showed that the vast majority of it needs to be replaced.”

Odom also suggested the county coordinate with the Town of Columbus because the town owns the sidewalk, which would have to be replaced.

County manager Marche Pittman asked if anyone gave any indication as to what may have caused the damage. Odom said it is hard to say. He said in replacing the wall the footings would be replaced, but that doesn’t mean the county won’t have to replace the wall in 100 years.

Odom also said the job will be very labor intensive.

Commissioner Ted Owens said the last time he remembers the wall having any attention was in 1984.

“The wall definitely needs work,” Owens said. “If we’re going to do it we need to do it right.”

Owens said the county has a nice old courthouse that’s recognized in the state as one of the oldest courthouses still in use and it has a wall that doesn’t look good.

Gage recommended commissioners think about it. Gage also asked Pittman to speak to the Town of Columbus to let them know what the county is considering and to put the item on for the county’s next meeting. Other commissioners agreed to table the item until the next meeting.

Commissioner Shane Bradley said he’d definitely like to wait with commissioner Ray Gasperson agreeing. Gasperson said considering the county’s budgetary issues, he thinks the county should plan this item out. Considering everything that’s happening with the budget, including a new detention center, Gasperson doesn’t think the wall is imminent, but can wait a year or two.

Gage said he is 100 percent in support of doing something with the wall as the courthouse is the symbol of the county.

The county’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 2.