Vote Coming For New Courthouse, 911 Center In Rogers Co.

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

ROGERS COUNTY -- The people of Rogers County will vote next Tuesday on whether to build a new courthouse and 911 center. 

The current courthouse was built in the 1930's and those who work there say it's filled with mold, it floods whenever it rains and there's no way to keep people safe.

The Rogers County Sheriff's department takes inmates to the courthouse several times a week for court hearings. They must walk them from the jail about a block away. They could be sitting ducks if someone wanted to do them harm and citizens are also at risk. 

Once inside the courthouse, inmates are led through hallways clogged with people who are witnesses, victims, family members and even jurors.

"It's by the grace of God we've got by as long as we have without a major issue," said Sheriff Scott Walton, Rogers County.

Sheriff Walton says the courthouse has many entrances and not one of them has a metal detector, so there's no way to control who enters or to know if they have a weapon.

"When people come up to the bench, I have no idea if they have guns or knives and they're right in front of the bench," said Judge Sheila Condren, Rogers County.

The new courthouse would connect to the jail and there would be secure walkways for getting inmates into courtrooms.

In addition to the security concerns, there are health concerns. Pictures show mold that was growing in a judge's chamber. Workers in Hazardous materials suits tried to clean it up, but it's all over including in the court clerk's office, partly because the basement floods, which means more moisture.

 According to a recent study, it's not feasible to just remodel or clean it up. 

The new courthouse and dispatch center would cost $20 million, but would not increase taxes.

"This is one-sixth of one cent that is going to expire. It's expiring five years early. It was initially voted in to build the jail. We've had so much growth in the county, we're paying it off early," said Judge Sheila Condren.

The county says this is the best time to build because the prices for materials are down. 

They say this building will also create jobs because they are looking for Oklahoma companies to do the work.