The final day in office for District 2 County Commissioner Monty Grider was Dec. 31 after losing November’s election to Clifford McElhaney.

During the Monday, Jan. 6 meeting the commissioners engaged Grider as a consultant for the on-going $6.2-million courthouse renovation and remodeling project at a fee of $700 per month.

The agreement is good for one year, unless both parties agree to an extension.

Grider was a driving force behind the project during his four-year term and worked closely with contractors from the beginning.

Ground was broken at the courthouse on Aug. 23, 2023. The project is expected to be completed in September.

The agreement signed by commissioners stated: “(He is) instrumental in assisting with the remodeling and construction of the courthouse project which remains to be completed (and has) gained considerable knowledge and expertise on said project.”

McElhaney agreed with the other commissioners in approving the agreement.

According to the agreement Grider is not an employee of the county.

Courthouse project disrupts Election Board

The renovation and expansion of the courthouse has created a few headaches for Election Board Secretary Janelle McKnight.

She told the commissioners at their Monday meeting that the Feb. 11 special election is fast approaching, and she is still trying to find space to store a lot of the Election Board’s property at the same time preparing to temporarily move the office from its permanent location on the first floor of the courthouse.

McKnight said property not needed immediately will be stored either in a closet at the courthouse or at the county fairgrounds.

“Either way, we need some muscle to help in the move,” she said.

Meanwhile, for the upcoming election, the Board will use the commissioners’ new conference room as a headquarters.

The fiasco has been generated by the construction.

“We need to move out of (the current office) so it can be remodeled,” she said.

As soon as remodeling is completed, the Board will return to the present location.

In the days ahead, similar headaches are expected in the departments in the courthouse.

“Wherever we go, it all comes back here,” she said, referring to the current office.