While the Butler County Courthouse is full of unique 19th century marble, woodwork and other historical features, its age sometimes provides more than aesthetic beauty.

John Campbell, the county's director of facilities and operations, received approval on Wednesday from the county commissioners to advertise for bids to replace the pipe insulation in the courthouse.

The fiberglass insulation will be replaced with a mold-resistant cellulose insulation.

Campbell confirmed that mold was found on the fiberglass insulation, mainly in the courthouse basement.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel pointed out that the basement areas where mold was found are unoccupied.

Campbell said some remediation occurred when workers recently emptied the old law library, plus a few other areas as they made their way through the building and checked insulation.

The specifications for the job will likely be available next week, and bids will be advertised after that, Campbell said.

Also at the meeting, the commissioners approved Gray Consulting as the provider of architectural services for the completion of the annex at the County Government Building.

The commissioners said the firm will be paid $31,000 for drawings to complete offices for county planning, tax assessment, mapping and tax claims.

Those offices are currently in the courthouse and will move to the annex on the north side of the government center when the new offices are complete.

The commissioners said moving those specific offices to the annex will bring the departments together under the leadership of Mark Gordon, the county's chief of economic development and planning, and create an efficient and collaborative space for the four departments.

Commissioner Kim Geyer suggested the contract with Gray Consulting be approved with a cost ceiling of $31,000.

The motion was approved with the contingency that solicitor Julie Graham will ensure the clause appears in the contract.