CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (August 12, 2025) – Clinton County Commissioners are grappling with significant delays and a host of unresolved issues concerning the county’s new annex building, according to comments made during today’s Clinton County Council meeting.
Commissioner Bert Weaver took to the microphone during the commissioners report portion and delivered the news, “we don’t know when we’re moving.” He offered a personal prediction that the move is “a month away yet.” Weaver had previously offered the same prediction in the months of June and July.
Earlier this year, the Clinton County Commissioners hired an independent “owner’s representative” to oversee the completion of the new county annex and the upcoming courthouse renovation project.
The Peterson Company acts as the as an intermediary between the Commissioners and Envoy, providing “day-to-day oversight” to ensure that the buildings are completed to the required specifications.
“We have a standard and expectation that we want that building to be built to. And at this point, every aspect of it has not been met,” explained Commissioners president Jordan Brewer after hiring Peterson, emphasizing the need for expert eyes to “make sure every eye is dotted [and] t is crossed.”
Brewer shared there is no additional costs to taxpayers when hiring Peterson as the commissioners will use the interest generated from the bonds for the project to pay for consulting services. Peterson offered three personnel at hourly rates of $145 (Project Manager), $195 (Director of Operations), and $215 (Vice President).
“We just need someone there to be our eyes and ears because we’re not able to do that on a daily basis and it’s outside our skill set,” said Brewer. Adding, that such oversight “probably hindsight should have happened sooner, but it is where we’re at now.”
Commissioner Weaver shared with the Council a few of the items that are being addressed in the nearly $18 million annex.
“We’re still working with the city because of some issues with the entrance and the sidewalk and the road,” Weaver stated, noting that the county’s ideas do not align with the city’s proposals. Among the points of contention are the city’s suggestions for a handrail at the entrance, which the county is “opposed big time against,” and a flower pot placed across the front, which the county also disfavors. A suggestion to paint the sidewalk orange was dismissed as “pretty tacky.”
Inside the new facility, “a lot of TLC” (tender loving care) is required due to an “enormous” punch list of corrections. Issues include:
• Drywall pop-outs.
• Leaking windows.
• Water running from the second floor to the first, which damaged both levels. This damage occurred because drywall and painting were completed before windows were installed, allowing heavy rain and wind to cause dampness and water intrusion.
Originally Envoy said construction would take 13 months from ground breaking to ribbon cutting. Ground breaking took place August 9, 2023.
Elected officials and department heads have communicated their desire that a move not take place during County budget sessions, September 9 and 10.
