The proposed renovation of the Memorial Opera House is further in doubt, with the Porter County Commissioners' plans to lease out the former sheriff's residence.
The $7.5 million project would have connected the two buildings, making them both accessible to those with disabilities while freeing up space in the Opera House. But Commissioner Barb Regnitz has been exploring the possibility of renting out the sheriff's residence to a long-term tenant.
"This is just a good way for us to help to maintain that building and to make improvements to that building without having to ask the taxpayers to subsidize that," Regnitz said during Tuesday's meeting.
The tenant would be responsible for making any needed improvements — like reinstalling the first-floor restrooms — while maintaining the building's historic character. Those expenses would be deducted from the rent payments. After that, the revenues would help pay for the building's maintenance. Regnitz said the old jail in the rear of the building would remain available to the Porter County Museum.
The commissioners took the first step Tuesday, by voting to get two appraisals to determine the fair market value for the rent. Laura Blaney cast the lone opposing vote. She wants the plan to be presented to the county council first.
"I just think it's wise to have buy-in, when we have these plans on the table for the expansion, that includes that building," Blaney said.
The Opera House project has been an ongoing battle between the council and the board of commissioners, with the majority of council members favoring the full renovation and expansion. Leasing out space in the sheriff's residence does not require the council's approval, unless the county expects to make at least $25,000 a year in rent.
This comes as Commissioner Regnitz is looking into a larger reshuffling of facilities to increase space for the health department and coroner's office. That would involve moving the coroner's and veterans service offices into the current voter registration office, while moving voter registration to 157 Franklin.
