Marathon Co. Courthouse renovations still in the works - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

The Marathon County Courthouse has had a number of renovations over the years and now, county officials are looking to overhaul the entire building.

Officials said the renovation will cost about $70 million dollars.

They said it will create new courtrooms, enhance security and metal detectors and expand the jail.

The plans also show sections of the courthouse would be torn down and rebuilt to make room for more parking.

Officials said the renovation is about making the building safer and more efficient.

"They were designed for a free flow of people, in and out and around and right now the climate has changed, the world has changed and our facilities are going to have to match that," said County Administrator Brad Karger.

But this is a long-term plan. 

Officials told us the renovation will take about 25 years to complete.

Karger told us the funding for the renovation would likely mean an increase in property taxes and possible cuts in programs. But he also said they're still looking at all of their options.