Recorder would like a roomier location

Currently, the department is crammed into two rooms at the courthouse.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Wanted to rent or lease: space large enough to accommodate growing government office.
That's the sort of advertisement the Columbiana County recorder's office would like to run.
The department long ago outgrew its small offices in the county courthouse and is experiencing growing pains, said county Recorder Gary Williams.
Williams, whose office consists of a desk shoved into the corner of the department's main reception area, said more space for the entire operation is badly needed. The office operates out of two rooms on the first floor and uses the hallway for storage.
"There's been nothing done to that office for 40 years," Williams said.
"As opposed to renovating that room, I'd rather move to another location," he added.
Other offices elsewhere
Not all county offices are in the courthouse.
Some departments, such as job and family services, the elections board, the engineer and other operations are in other county-owned buildings or in rented spaces.
Williams said his office also could rent or lease outside the courthouse.
Commissioner Sean Logan said he agrees that the recorder's office is overcrowded.
"We know that they're tight on space," Logan said.
As for moving the office out of the courthouse, Logan said that's an option worth considering as long as the move didn't put the department too far away, which would be an inconvenience for the public.
Logan said he would like to see specifics for any proposed move, including location and cost.
He noted that the county is still striving to recover from a fiscal crisis brought on by a lack of revenue and a close watch on funding must be kept.
"It's been a struggle to keep the doors open," Logan said.