Cumberland Commission Pauses Work On Proposed Archives Building

The Cumberland County Commission voted to pause renovations at the old Progressive Savings Bank building.

Mayor Allen Foster said the building was originally purchased to be the home of the county archives. Foster said some commissioners questioned the proposed use after the county clerk set a temporary office in the building.

“Now they’re discussing whether to leave the county clerk at the building that’s being renovated for archives, and possibly renovate the original building which was the original plan or what,” Foster said. “Several of them are saying we have to make sure we have a cohesive plan.”

Foster said the county’s buildings and grounds committee has until the end of January to present a plan to the full commission. Foster said if a plan is not presented, the committee could ask for an extension on the pause of construction.

Foster said the county clerk is presently in the building due to the structural issues at the old courthouse. The county acquired the Progressive Savings Bank building last year. A total of $1.6 million was budgeted for the purchase and renovation.