Last May, voters largely rejected a bond measure that would’ve helped fund a new Lane County Courthouse. Now as KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, officials are pushing for public feedback ahead of a renewed effort.
Only 42 percent of voters backed the measure, stalling plans to create a more modern, spacious courthouse. Now the county is using social media and web surveys to gauge local thoughts about the need for a new space, which even includes booking speakers or arranging tours of the existing courthouse, built in 1959.
Lane County spokesperson Devon Ashbridge says there remains a possibility of getting state money towards a new facility.
“The legislature very generously agreed to confirm that we would remain eligible for $96 million in matching state funds," Ashbridge tells KLCC. "And that they would hold that for us until the beginning of the next general session.”
Critics of the courthouse initiative have previously questioned the cost and need for more space.
Copyright 2019, KLCC.
