Ozark County Courthouse elevator will be out Aug. 14

The elevator in the Ozark County Courthouse will be out of service for more than two weeks Aug. 14-30 for updates, according to Ozark County Commissioners.

The elevator will be updated with a new electrical board, along with other improvements.

During the time it is out of commission, handicap persons or persons unable to take the stairs can enter the courthouse through the basement entrance on the southeast corner of the courthouse.

County Clerk Brian Wise said county officeholders plan to work with anyone who cannot access the first and second floors of the courthouse who wish to conduct business at the courthouse.

“We can meet them downstairs and help them with whatever they need,” Wise said.

Engineers told commissioners earlier this year that the elevator was obsolete and needed updates.

Commissioners voted in June to accept an $83,983 bid from Kone Elevators of Springfield for a major upgrade of the aging elevator.

The improvements will include all new electronics, switches, a microprocessor and a new machine room, as well as a speakerphone inside the elevator. The project also installs new emergency lighting and other upgrades.

Inspectors told commissioners that the power unit and hydraulics of the elevator didn’t need replacing, and that if a problem with them did arise in the future, parts could be obtained for repairs.