They’ve been looking at it for months, and the Knox County Board has okayed buying it.
The board announced Friday it has officially closed on the purchase what was last a Wells Fargo Bank building downtown at Main and Cherry.
The final sale price isn’t known, but the asking price was originally set at $850,000. It’s expected that remaining American Rescue Plan money will facilitate the purchase.
The county has long sought to add to or free up space at the Knox County Courthouse, and plans on moving the County Clerk and Recorder, County Treasurer, and County Assessor to that location. The goal, officials say, is to provide what they say is a better customer experience.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but this is a major step forward in the process,” said Jared Hawkinson (R), Knox County Board Chair.
The County Annex building at Prairie and Simmons Streets is still expected to be used.
The County Board back last November okayed first pursuing the property.
A county news release says it’s expected that planning and design work will go on now, with the goal of moving in early next year.
