BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County Board of Supervisors discussed at length options to buyout Brookhaven’s ownership of the courthouse in executive session Monday morning. The discussion came at the end of a regularly scheduled payroll and docket meeting. 

The City of Brookhaven and Lincoln County reached an agreement for a buyout of the Lincoln County courthouse in July. An interlocal agreement required the County to buy the City’s 20 percent stake in the courthouse if they left for a new City Hall.

The proposed buyout of $2.745 million to the City is set to be paid in full by Dec. 31, 2025 or the date the City has vacated the premises, whichever is the later date once the AG office approves the terms. 

Lincoln County Board Attorney Greg Malta said the board discussed their financing options with Brad Davis representing Watkins & Eager PLLC. According to the Watkins & Eager website, Davis focal area is public finance and bonds. His bio states he advises state and local governments, non-profit organizations and financial institutions on a broad range of financial transactions.

No action was taken in executive session, Malta said.

Courthouse deal

On July 2, Brookhaven accepted Lincoln County’s offer of $2.745 million for their 20 percent stake in the courthouse. It is likely the City of Brookhaven will move to the Hartman-Harrigill funeral home at 101 Chickasaw Street. 

It is important to note while the County started planning how they would handle the City leaving the courthouse they are not making the City leave. The move did not happen overnight.