Appeal planned in Jackson Co. courthouse suit

JEFFERSON - Concerned Citizens of Jackson County plans to appeal a judge's ruling in favor of the county in a dispute over courthouse funding.

The citizens group sued the county commission this summer - maintaining that the county's proposed lease-purchase agreement for financing a new county courthouse is unconstitutional.

Last week, a Judge Carlisle Overstreet ruled in favor of the commission,

"We plan to mount an immediate and vigorous appeal," said Tim Venable, chairman of Concerned Citizens of Jackson County.

The group contends the proposed financial arrangement violates the state Constitution's prohibition against taking on long-term debt without voter approval.

The county, however, maintains there is legal precedent for the plan.