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Kahoka, MO – The Clark County Courthouse in Kahoka was added to the National Register of Historic Places a quarter century ago. A lack of money for upkeep has led to efficiency and structural problems.
Clark County wants to borrow $4-million to build a new courthouse. The money would also be used to tear down the current structure and the nearby Hiller building.
Clark County cannot borrow the money, though, without voter approval. That is why a special referendum is on the April 6 ballot.
County Commissioner Jerry Neyens says voters have already shown their support for a new courthouse by approving the creation of a new cent sales tax to pay for the project. He says the county does not want to put that money in a bank account when the funds can be used on the new courthouse.
58% of the voters (4/7 majority) must approve the borrowing plan on April 6. Neyens is confident that that can take place because the sales tax was approved, last February, by more than 60-percent of Clark County voters.
That sales tax will be put in place on July 1.
Neyens says the county can still take advantage of a low-interest federal loan if the borrowing plan is approved April 6. He says any delay would mean Clark County would have to increase property taxes to pay for a new courthouse.
Neyens says the design and engineering phase will get underway if voters let the county borrow the money. He says, if all goes according to plan, a ground-breaking could take place in late August or early September.
Questions have been raised as to whether Clark County can tear down its courthouse. The county accepted state funding to stabilize the building's foundation, which state historic preservation leaders feel provides them with a say in the building's future.
Commissioner Jerry Neyens has said the grant was basically a gift.