CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – In an effort to find more room for Montgomery County court operations, the County Commission will vote tonight on whether to purchase 121 S. Third St. as well as a parking lot on Hiter Street for $6.8 million.

The Third Street property is currently home to the law offices of Batson and Nolan. It is owned by Batson Nolan Realty Partnership and managed by Mark Nolan.

The Hiter Street property is a parking lot north of that location, according to the County Commission’s informal agenda.

If approved, closing is expected take place before the end of the year.

The purchase agreement provides an 18-month lease back to the current owner with an option for a 6-month extension. The annual rental rate is listed as $13 per square foot (or $301,080) annually; however, the agreement includes a rent abatement clause allowing Batson & Nolan free rent for the 18-month period.

Making room for courts

The state of Tennessee’s 2022-23 proposed budget includes two new state-level trial court judge positions for the 19th Judicial District, according to Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Olita.

The county’s chief engineer, Nick Powell, said the Third Street building, after some interior renovations, would become home to supporting departments and make room for the construction of two new court spaces.

“These departments that are being relocated serve a vital support role to the function of the courts, and a short walk to the existing Courts Center is a key reason in pursuing this building purchase,” Powell said. “The opportunity to have a location so close to the courtrooms is an opportunity we cannot pass up. It creates easier accessibility for our staff who need to be in court support services.”

He added that, even with the new building, Montgomery County will need to address future growth.

“As our population numbers in the county continue to grow, increased staff will be needed in order to provide adequate services to our constituents,” Powell said.

“The County will need to be looking on the horizon for how we will address this growth and split the Courts Center function into another facility,” Powell said. “For now, this building purchase is the County’s best chance at staying ahead of the growth while maintaining the best services that we can provide through the courts.”

The Commission is expected to vote tonight at their 6 p.m. formal session. The resolution requires only one vote to pass.