New magistrate office project to launch next month

After years of talking, putting the work on a new county magistrate’s office in Westminster out for bid will probably be go before the Oconee County Council’s second meeting in January. Administrator Amanda Brock told council members Tuesday that the county’s due diligence regarding the property should be finished so the Council can give the project that green light. There remains, Brock said, a zoning issue to be worked out with the city of Westminster to ensure the project is in compliance with city codes. The plan calls for the conversion of the former Gospel Holiness Church on E. Main Street to serve as the new office and courtroom facility for Westminster Magistrate Will Derrick. The magistrate’s office currently occupies space adjacent to the Westminster Police Department and has for some years suffered from cramped quarters. The county purchased the former church and 1.2 acres from the Shriners in September for $121,000.