Abrupt change of plans for Westminster magistrate office

For the time being, plans for a new Westminster magistrate office are on hold.  Oconee County Council last night unanimously decided to instead offer the former Free Gospel Holiness Church building and property for sale.  The council last night was expected to approve the demolition of the building, as the first step in the re-build project.  A design-build contract with the Trehel Corporation was approved a year ago.  Westminster’s representative on the county governing board, Julian Davis, proposed the change.  Davis said talks with Mayor Brian Ramey persuaded him that the E. Main Street property could be better used if it were to attract the kind of new development that would boost the city tax base and general business atmosphere.  Davis added that building costs have recently spiked, so delaying the project could save the county money in cost overruns.  This is likely a setback to the county’s magistrate at Westminster, Will Derrick, who for several years has had to do business in cramped quarters in a building next to city hall.  After a fair market value for the property is made, the property will be offered for sale.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, believes that the already-developed plan for a new magistrate’s office can be adapted to another location.