Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer, Collin County
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

Rachel Reichert, Public Information Officer, City of McKinney
972-547-7508
rreichert@mckinneytexas.org

February 17, 2003

Collin County to present a $1 million check to McKinney
Funds to assist with courthouse renovations

(McKinney, TX) - The Collin County Commissioners' Court will present a $1 million check to the city of McKinney this week to help fund renovations to the historic county courthouse. Last month, a district judge cleared the way for the city of McKinney to lease the courthouse from the county.

The agreement is considered an example of a continuing positive partnership, which benefits all county residents. The renovation will be overseen by the McKinney Community Development Corp., which is contributing nearly $4.9 million to the project. In 1999, voters in the city of McKinney passed a $500,000 bond and Collin County voters passed a $1 million bond to renovate the building. As part of the lease agreement, McKinney has agreed to pay $1 a year for 99 years. City and county leaders say the total cost for renovations is expected to be $6 million.

The Historic Collin County Courthouse is one of the oldest remaining courthouses in Texas. It was originally constructed in 1874 for $100,000. It was renovated in 1927 and has been vacant since 1979.

The check presentation is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m. during the regular session of McKinney's city council meeting.

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