CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Construction delays on the new Aransas County Courthouse have county officials and staff once again doing a shuffle for temporary locations to do business.
The reason? The lease is up at the building they've been in for the last seven years.
County officials said business continues no mater what space they're in.
However, officials are not holding their breath when it comes to getting into that new courthouse which was originally supposed to be finished last September. County officials still have no clue when they'll be able to move in.
District Clerk Pam Heard has been conducting business out of the old Ace Hardware building on Highway 35 for the last seven years after the original courthouse was heavily damaged during Hurricane Harvey.
"After Hurricane Harvey, we actually had court on the street, we literally had court on the street," Heard said.
They're boxing up once again, but not into the long awaited new courthouse complex. That's still under construction.
"We've moved four times since Hurricane Harvey," she said "And none of this has been easy."
The county's lease on their current temporary building is up with no option to extend.
"The current situation is not ideal, nobody wants to do several moves," County Judge Ray Garza said.
He said they had no choice but to come up with another plan that will separate county offices.
"We've secured seven other locations and we've been blessed to secure seven other locations to do county operations," Garza said.
If you have to do business with the county clerk, district clerk, county court at law or collections, they're located in the same shopping center at 2718 Hwy 35 North. Just look for the "Heroes" sign.
Heard showed 3NEWS the new temporary space that includes a courtroom, but before they open to the public there's just one more thing they need.
"We're just waiting on occupancy and we'll be up and running again," she said.
She's hoping that happens before the week is over.
If you are looking for the county judge or human resources, they're in the same shopping center at 2740 Hwy 35 North next to Panjo's.
As far as the county and district attorney, you'll find them across the street at 2867 Hwy 35 North next to South Texas Family Planning.
Other locations:
- District Court: 410 N. Church St.
- County/District Attorney: 2867 Hwy 35 North (to the left of Family Planning)
- JP Precinct 1 Judge Dupnik: 701 E. Mimosa St. (at the Library)
- JP Precinct 2 Judge McGinnis: 402 E. Laurel St. (where to pay City of Rockport Utilities)
- County Auditor and County Treasurer: 2851 Hwy 35 North (to the right of Ngo's)
- Veteran Services Officer: 810 Henderson St. - Unit 1 (by appointment only)
"The courts are continuing," Heard said. "Anyone that's in jail is receiving the same treatment as if we all had an office right now. The Magistrates are still magistrate, the courts are still going."
If you have any questions or need further information, call (361) 790-0100.
The county judge said he is hopeful they won't have to be in their current situation more than a year.