BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County and the City of Brookhaven 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 to a new City Hall.

The move is now on hold until the Mississippi Attorney General’s office approves it. Lincoln County Board Attorney Greg Malta said the terms have to be approved by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. The AG office has 60 days to approve the terms or if they do not act to approve the terms in 60 days then it would be approved. The deadline for AG approval is Sept. 2, 2024.

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 if the AG office approves the terms. 

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.