Voters approve Windsor County Courthouse renovations

The 24 towns of Windsor County approved – 5,412 to 3,828 at the March 6 elections – a$2 million, 20-year bond to pay for extensive renovation to the Windsor County Courthouse in Woodstock.
Because the ballots were co-mingled before the count, vote tallies by town were unavailable, said Chester Town Clerk Deb Aldrich.

Windsor County Courthouse./ Photo courtesy the Woodstock Historical Society.

The courthouse, which was built in 1855, is currently not accessible to people with disabilities. The renovations, while extensive, will maintain the historically significant details of the building while bringing it into the 21^st century with compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Included in the renovations will be the addition of a stair and elevator tower, a security system including metal detectors, and new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems. The elevator will be large enough to accommodate a stretcher.
Spaces will be adjusted to make way for probate judges’ chambers, support staff, a conference room and a jury and hearing room

The cost of the bond is spread out on a prorated rate to all property taxpayers of Windsor County. For Chester homeowners with a $250,000 home, that would mean $6.24 more a year for 10 years on their tax bill.