State Del. Dickie Bell, R-Staunton, today emphasized his support for citizens and groups like the Augusta Citizens Coalition and Common Sense Courthouse Solutions who are opposing the Nov. 8 referendum to move the Augusta County seat and build a new $45 million courthouse complex.
Del. Bell, who represents part of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro offered the following statement on the issue:
“I’ve been impressed by Augusta citizens and groups who are standing up to oppose spending $45 million on a new courthouse. They are questioning the reasoning behind a move and if all alternatives have been thoroughly explored. I support their efforts to demand greater fiscal stewardship and I share their concerns.
“This opposition should give Augusta County officials pause. Any plan for the courthouse should be based on accurate data, consider all alternative options, and provide answers to any outstanding questions raised by citizens. The current plan put forth by the county has not done that and, as such, many questions still remain unanswered.
“In light of a reported $1.5 billion state budget shortfall, the county should be preparing for what impacts that may potentially have on core county services instead of spending $45 million on new, unnecessary construction projects.”
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