County plans to revamp elevator at courthouse

Like an elevator operator from days gone by, Samantha Harris escorts Dyer County Courthouse visitors from one floor to another. The elevator, which may be original to the 1922 courthouse, has become cantankerous. Harris makes sure visitors arrive safely at their destinations and cautions them to watch their steps in and out of the elevator compartment. [Click to enlarge]

Sometimes, the elevator goes directly to its intended destination.

Other times, it seems a bit confused. If Harris presses the second floor button, the elevator is likely to descend to the basement before climbing two stories.

One of the most dangerous aspects of the elevator, though, is the fact that it doesn't always stop exactly at floor level. Harris said the elevator car may stop 6 inches above or below the intended floor. If riders aren't watching their steps, they might just trip and fall.

That happened to a woman several months ago, and that's why the county hired someone to escort passenger on the elevator. Harris makes sure that people arrive at their destinations safely.

While her job has had its ups and its downs, she knows that it will come to an end sooner or later. The county is in the process of preparing bid specifications to replace the mechanisms that move the elevator.

The county hired Martha Hulgan of MMH Associates in Chattanooga a couple of weeks ago to determine what it will take to get the cantankerous elevator under control. County Mayor Richard Hill said she is being paid $3,000-$4,000 to assess the situation, to make recommendations and estimate costs and to prepare the bid specifications.

The elevator is estimated to be about 87 years old and parts are no longer available. So, Hill said the county is considering a renovation that would include new inner shaft parts, panel boards and mechanisms.

"We've been knowing this for a long time," Hill said. "It's come down to it. Now we're going to have to replace it."

Although some people have suggested that the county make the elevator larger, Hill said that wouldn't be possible without moving the elevator shaft.

The total cost of repairs hasn't been estimated yet, but the county anticipates something in excess of $75,000. Funds for the repairs were not included in the county's 2008-09 budget. Hill said the county has "mechanisms in place to do this without raising taxes." He said the county may borrow the funds.

Hill hopes bids will be taken by the end of January or the first of February. The elevator will be closed for four to six weeks while the repairs are made.

While the repairs are necessary, Hill will be sad to see the elevator operator's job disappear. He said he likes the idea of having an elevator operator. It reminds him of the days when customer service and courtesy were of the utmost importance.

Harris, who is paid $7 an hour to operate the elevator, serves as an ambassador of goodwill on the main floor of the courthouse. She often directs courthouse visitors to various offices. During slow times, she also sorts paperwork for other county officials.

As much as she enjoys her job, Harris isn't likely to stick around long enough to see the repairs. She's pregnant and expects to give birth later this month.