Staff Writer

Anyone needing to do county business this week may want to get it done today.

County offices will be moving back into the Pike County Courthouse today and Friday, following a more than $1 million renovation, forcing them to close to make the move across town. The courthouse will also be closed Monday for Jefferson Davis’ birthday.

The new County Administrator Mark Tyner said every office should be in "full operation" on Tuesday.

In the meantime, there may be some confusion as to when offices will be open for business.

Since today is the last day of the month, Pike County Probate Judge Bill Stone said his office will be open, but will close Friday to make the move across town.

With people needing to purchase vehicle tags, Stone said, it is not feasible to move until Friday.

The commission office will also be closed on Friday, as will those of the circuit judges and revenue commissioner.

Revenue Commissioner Curtis Blair said his office will begin moving today, but will remain open for business until 5 p.m.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas’ staff, on Wednesday, was packing up and moving out of the temporary location at the old Wal-Mart building on U.S. 231.

Some offices will shut down operation both Thursday and Friday to move.

The circuit clerk’s office and Veterans Affairs will be closed both days.

Although it may be inconvenient, courthouse employees are ready to be back at "home."

Courthouse offices have been displaced since Nov. 21, 2000.

Plans were to be back at the newly-renovated courthouse by April 1, but problems arose, delaying the move back.

The decision to vacate the courthouse during the renovation was made by the Pike County Commission after weeks of pondering what they should do.

After talking with department heads, computer people, the architect and a representative from Whaley Construction, which will be doing the work, the commission decided it was in the best interest of the public and the employees to relocate.

The $1.1 million project will include making room for an elevator which will make the courthouse handicap accessible, converting bathrooms to be in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, as well as electrical and mechanical upgrades.

When all the dust settles, the courthouse will also have new ceilings, lighting, carpet and some paint.