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M The lack of- preventive maintenance for the basement has cost IRC taxpayers over $20,000.00, to restore damaged records. An amount that would have eliminated the problems of a "leaky basement." and preserved court records. With expert restoration, rehabilitation and proper upkeep, the "Old" County courthouse still has many adaptive uses and can continue as an integral part of a County judicial complex. As the list of request and financial aid demand for State restoration funds increase, standards for such funds will tighten. Officials of the Florida Division of Historical Resources in a critical review of all entries, look for an aggre44ve, clearly defined. time oriented, focused and financially supported plan that reflects a recipient's sincere desire to restore historical landmarks. Such a desire and focus is lacking among IRC county officials. Unlike other counties that have received funds for the restoration of historic courthouses, IRC officials appear to have litle interest in planning the future of, or saving the "Old" courthouse. Although, an integral part of the community, since the early days of IRC, and a symbol of a traumatic period in the history of IRC, Florida and the nation, no effort was made by county officials until 1995 to apply for restoration state funds. Are county officials still planning to raze the historic landmark? Since 1990, the planning and focus has been on the new courthouse. Funds appropriated for maintenance of the "Old" courthouse has been inadequate, The historic landmark has been grossly neglected. County officials continue to shift their responsibility for restoration funds to the IRCHS, or other groups that have questioned the future of this famous landmark. "The responsibility for the preservation, condition and future of the "Old" courthouse lies with •county officials not with IRCHS or similar organizations. State funds, alone should not be looked upon,as a panacea or ultimate answer for its overall restoration. The success of many Florida county officials in obtaining state funds is due to long established term plans, aggresive and supportive leadership, strong staff support and appropriated county funds during the initial restoration phases. To improve its chances for added state funds, IRC officials should show more support and follow the lead of: (1) Citrus County. About a decade ago, County officials, realizing the need for larger quarters, began planning the restoration and adaptive use of the old courthouse. By 1994 45 FEBRUARY 6, 1996 BOOK 9 7 wa 6