Stephens BOC Decides Not to Sell Old Courthouse Annex Bldg

By Ethan Jordan, WNEG Radio

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners has decided against selling the old Annex building across from the historic courthouse.

In February, the Board had voted to sell the building.

Originally built in 1949 by First Baptist Church of Toccoa, it was sold to the county in 1965 and has been used as extra office space for the County, as well as a meeting place for the Board of Commissioners, a courtroom, and also housed the offices of a number of non-profit groups over the years.

However, at their meeting Tuesday, the Board heard from County Administrator Phyllis Ayers who said since the Board’s vote in February, her office has received many requests to keep the property.

In a called meeting last week, Judge James Irvin asked the Board to preserve the lot for the future site of a new county courthouse.

Additionally, during that same meeting, Community Development Director Connie Tabor and Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton asked the commission to protect the historic building—adding that the county does not need any more parking spots in downtown.

Hamilton says what downtown Toccoa does need is more lodging and housing.

Commissioner Michelle Ivester, who is a realtor, has been vocal about selling the property to a developer for luxury apartments or condos.

Ivester said renovating it for condos would expand the county’s property tax base.

After rescinding their decision to sell the Annex building, commissioners agreed to continue discussing what would be the best way to use the property.