County Has Bank Building Under Contract for Expansion Plans

Fayette County is under contract with Pioneer Bank to purchase the bank’s former building at 143 North Main St. in La Grange.

The building sits on the square across from the Courthouse between Lukas Bakery and the new Pioneer Bank building. County Judge Joe Weber said the County offered Pioneer $375,000 for the building. The property was recently listed for $499,000. The initial asking price was reportedly even higher.

Weber said the building would serve as a Fayette County Courthouse Annex. Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom said the County hopes to move the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and the Auditor’s Office to the future annex.

The County rents the building that currently houses the Auditor’s Office. The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office handles vehicle license plates and titles, making it one of the most public-facing County offices. The old Pioneer Bank building offers easier access for disabled people. Handicap access at the Courthouse involves a long ramp to the basement and then a trip up the elevator.

“I think this is a great initiative for the County if it goes through,” Weber said. “It will give us some much-needed space.”

Since the County does not pay property taxes, the purchase would remove a valuable piece of real estate from property tax rolls, which also support the City of La Grange and La Grange I.S.D.