Carbon County is currently working on a smaller project in the courthouse to allow for additional office space that will also help lower the anticipated cost of the upcoming renovation project.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners authorized the county maintenance department to move electrical wires, remove and replace carpeting, spackle and paint and level the floor in the former adult probation office on the first floor of the courthouse.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that the work is not for any specific department.

He noted that the renovation costs for the complete courthouse project is reduced from $6.9 million to $5 million.

Some of that savings is due to bringing the work in-house.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said that the office has sat vacant for nearly two years and other offices needs additional space.

The maintenance department will work on the project over the winter and will hopefully have it completed by the end of February.

That completion date is dependent on the weather.

In February, the county hired Boyle Construction Management of Allentown for professional construction management services for the renovation project.

The renovations at the nearly 129-year-old courthouse in Jim Thorpe will include new electrical, air handling systems, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical work and some cosmetic upgrades.

At the time, the commissioners said it will be a balancing act in maintaining the historical features of the courthouse with providing the features employees need in today’s working world.

Once started, it will take 12-18 months to complete.