County Considers Funding $50,000 for Courthouse Preservation Grant
By Misty Green
On September 15, 2025, during the meeting of the Macon County Legislative Body, a motion was made by Commissioner Larry West, seconded by Helen Hesson, to allow County Attorney Guy Holliman and County Mayor Steve Jones to secure a real estate company with experience in commercial property sales to assist with selling the health department and county courthouse. The motion further directed them to bring back their findings for further discussion.
Despite this effort to explore the sale of the old courthouse, county officials are also considering committing local funds toward its preservation.
According to Resolution No. 10-11/25, included in the commissioners’ media packet of the October 20, 2025 commission meeting, the Macon County Board of Commissioners is now considering authorizing a commitment of up to $50,000 in local funding as part of an application for the Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Historical Preservation Grant Program.
The state program assists Tennessee counties in preserving, restoring, and improving historically significant courthouses. The resolution describes the old Macon County Courthouse as an “important historical and functional landmark” that is in need of “critical restoration and preservation to maintain its structural integrity, usability, and historical character.”
The grant requires a 10% local match, and the county’s contribution—if approved—would come from funds designated and approved by the County Commission. The money could be used as a match, reimbursement, or up-front investment, depending on the grant’s requirements.
This move comes after county leaders previously stated they did not wish to spend additional money on the old courthouse following the government’s relocation to the new Macon County Administration Building. Officials had cited health and safety concerns, including lead paint and asbestos, as the primary reasons for abandoning the former courthouse. In addition, the chair lift inside the courthouse broke, making public meetings inaccessible to many disabled and elderly residents.
The resolution has been approved to move forward to the Legislative Body Meeting for further discussion and potential action.
If awarded, the TNECD Historical Preservation Grant would help fund restoration or improvement work aimed at preserving the historic courthouse for future generations.
