Courthouse annex in Hartselle opens for business

By Staff Reports  

The Hartselle annex of the Morgan County Courthouse is now open for business on Shull Road.  

The building is a 100-by-70-foot annex that houses Parks and Recreation, the Commission on Aging and revenue and license offices. Previously, the satellite revenue and license offices were located at the Crestwood Shopping Center along U.S. Highway 31 in downtown Hartselle.  

Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long said while the new location might be further in distance for some residents of Hartselle, the new building offers upgrades the Crestwood location was lacking.  

“This is a chance to offer our citizens a nicer facility,” he said. “Privacy will be better. Counters will be set up where other people won’t hear your business. We’ll have nicer restrooms, and our employees will have a break area and more storage space.” 

A new annex in Cotaco is also underway. Long said it has been delayed because of outstanding sewer work that cannot be completed until drier weather arrives.  

“All that’s lacking is the installation of that system, and then the contractor will come in to test his plumbing and for touch-ups inside the building,” Long said.  

Currently, Cotaco area residents have to stand in line outside at the annex at the District 4 location to conduct business. 

“The new building will have room to sit down inside,” he said. “Right now, there is room for only three or four people inside the lobby; everyone has to stand outside. That can be difficult when it is raining and cold. We don’t want people to have to do that.”
Sue-Jac’s winning bid on the Hartselle annex was $1.03 million. The Cotaco annex at the District 4 shop will be a 50-by-40-foot building housing license and revenue department offices, Long said. Sue-Jac’s bid was $514,500 for that site. 

The Hartselle annex is located at 560 Shull Road. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Wes Tomlinson contributed to this report.