“To Build (a new Grafton County courthouse) or Not to Build…..that is The Question……”
However, The Question was never presented to the people/taxpayers of Grafton County, who are expected to foot the bill for this project. Nor was it ever conveyed to the people of Grafton County through NH State Representatives, or given adequate media coverage. It was merely “assumed” that We the People of Grafton County would accept a decision made exclusively by the Grafton County Commissioners, and the delegates who have privy to vote for this project. In fact, it appears to have been a closed decision without the Voice of the People to assess the necessity of a new building. It is questionable why necessary repairs were not done throughout the 52 years this building has been in operation.
Transparency appears not to be a strong point regarding Commissioners’ Meetings, where this topic was discussed. And when certain members of the community decided to join the meeting on Zoom and pose serious questions regarding the building of a new courthouse, the Zoom Meetings were conveniently shut down. Transparency seems to be somewhat foggy at this level of NH government. The Zoom Meetings have been restored, but it seems the executive decisions have already been made without the Consent of the Governed.
Most people are not aware that there is a 105 page document entitled “The Danson Report of 2021” in which all aspects of the present Grafton County Courthouse were evaluated. It is available online for public viewing. It was determined in 2021 that to make all of the changes and repairs would cost $36+ million, but to rebuild the courthouse would cost $34+ million. However, four years have passed and the prices have risen, and what was once $34+ million is now $47.3 million, which is just the replacement cost. The actual cost to homeowner’s (those who own property and pay property taxes in Grafton County) really amounts to $72.3 Million (rebuild/principal/interest) at 4.5% over 25 years!). The County Administrator quoted that figure in the August 26, 2025 Meeting.
Some important points are worth noting: 1) Some repairs need to be made as a new elevator is needed as the necessary parts to repair the old elevator are not available. 2) A sprinkler system is lacking on one of the three floors and needs to be installed. 3) Insulation is a problem as there is 12,000 square feet of brick that has no insulation, and affects the heating cost.
These are real issues and they should be addressed.
In analyzing the other remediations they amount to adding waiting rooms to different departments, adding bathrooms, and a gym for personnel so they can stay healthy.
It should also be noted that there are only two county offices in the Grafton County Courthouse: the county attorney’s office, and the sheriff’s office. All other space is occupied by NH State officials who pay rent to the county. So in essence are we building a new county courthouse to house the state officials?
It would be suggested to repair the essential problems, and perhaps do some reorganization of how space is used within the various offices. This would greatly lessen the tax burden for the people of Grafton County. If the new Grafton County Courthouse Project goes through, which it appears to be doing without any Consent of the Governed, it would raise each person’s county property tax by 9.4%/year.
If this is of any concern or importance to You as taxpayers you might consider reading the “Danson Report of 2021” and reach your own conclusions You may also consider getting in contact with your NH state representative and voice your concerns.
It appears that as we are near to celebrating our 250th Anniversary from British tyranny from King George in 1776, this whole courthouse scenario is similar to how a detective would follow clues to a case, only one conclusion is evident…..Tyranny! Why would the Grafton County Commissioners be exploring the Courthouse Bonding Process before any conclusive decision has been made by the Executive Committee, and continue on to the next step involving the Full Delegation has not yet occurred, unless this whole process is “a done deal” already?
“Taxation without representation is Tyranny.”
Patrick Henry
Prior to moving to NH in 2014, I lived in northeastern Pennsylvania, seven miles north of Scranton and I was part of Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna County Courthouse was built in 1894 and is still in use today. Lackawanna County serves a population of 215,000 people. Compare that with the present Grafton County Courthouse that was built in the early 1970’s, and is only 52 years young, and services a population of 91,000+ people and is no longer considered operable……It Doesn’t Pass the Common Sense Test.
Authors’ opinions are their own and may not represent those of Grok Media, LLC, GraniteGrok.com, its sponsors, readers, authors, or advertisers.
Got Something to Say, We Want to Hear It. Comment or submit Op-Eds to steve@granitegrok.com
