The Winston County Annex building, on the south side of the Courthouse, has been a fixture in the community for many decades. However, in recent years it has fallen into disrepair to the point that the expense of fixing the problem areas is prohibitive. Beyond that there exists a need for office space for the County.
Sheriff Jason Pugh pointed out that at the time the Courthouse was built it was adequate for its intended purpose. However, the tornado in April 2014 showed that some county facilities are no longer sufficient. As people began to gather at the Courthouse for shelter the facility was quickly overwhelmed. Pugh and Emergency Management Director Buddy King, whose offices are located on the bottom floor of the Courthouse, found that they were not able to work there due to the overcrowding.
The disaster response included eight federal agencies, 24 state agencies and numerous local and private agencies, all with information to be shared with the Board of Supervisors and Louisville Board of Aldermen. King stated that they had to change meeting places four times within the first week.
A new annex building, which will occupy the same footprint as the existing building, should solve such problems. The existing structure is one floor with approximately 4.7K sq. ft. The new building will be three floors bringing the square footage up to approximately 14.3K.
It will be an ultra-modern facility designed to match the look of the Courthouse, and will be used primarily for public safety. The lobby will consist of a historical alcove, honoring the old building. The bottom floor will be occupied by the Emergency Management Agency; the Sheriff’s Dept. will be on the second floor, with a Board room, which can be used as a court room, and additional office space on the third floor.
The projected cost of the building is approximately $3M, with 75% of the funding coming from FEMA, 12.5% from the State, and the remaining 12.5% from the County.
The process for the new building, which took three years, began with approval from the Board of Supervisors; then the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; next the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and finally FEMA. The plan is for the demolition phase to begin in the near future.
Pugh stated that the new building will be a huge leap forward for the county. He said, “The operational ability will be incredible.” He added that they would still have good
access to the public, but with features he does not currently have, such as interview rooms, evidence storage and holding cells.
King said the building will be a place of unity where decisions makers for the County and City can come together, with the information to help them make the best decisions for the citizens of the Winston County.
Pugh and King stated that the Board of Supervisors have been instrumental in all phases of the recovery effort, including the Annex building, and have worked toward every legitimate need that has been presented to them.
