Photo Courtesy of Kansas Mainstreet

Former Republic County Commissioner Doug Garman warned this week that if voters reject a proposed new Public Safety Building, the county could ultimately lose its courthouse due to irreversible water damage.

The $17.8 million project would house 911 dispatch, emergency management, and possibly the Belleville Police Department. Preliminary plans were reviewed by county commissioners, consultants, and the Public Safety Building committee, who emphasized the urgency of holding public meetings within weeks.

Consultant Brad Homman of Goldberg Group Architects outlined problems with the current courthouse jail, citing inadequate office space, outdated design, poor booking safety, lack of ADA accessibility, and inability to handle modern medical and mental health needs.

Water damage, inadequate HVAC, and unsafe overcrowding were also flagged as major risks. Garman said repeated repair attempts since the 1990s have failed. Early voting begins October 15, making the decision urgent for Republic County’s future.