Majority just want the issue to be over

Arguments and legal wrangling over the 1884 courthouse have resulted in a false dichotomy. The county, it may seem, is split into two camps: Those who favor renovating the "grand old lady" and those who favor removing "big ugly."

In reality, there are people - a vast majority of people - who really don't care what happens, as long as it doesn't entail a tax increase. They just would like something to be done - and the cheaper, the better.

Intentionally, a three-person board can't be split down the middle. When it's time to make a decision, the vote by two county commissioners will determine the outcome. Two commissioners have favored a solution that best fit the budget - especially after repeated attempts for a tax hike failed.

A new proposal indicates renovation could be done for about the same local cost as replacing it with a new building.

Reusing the old courthouse would be more environmentally friendly than recycling parts of it. A new building likely would be more engergy efficient, and might have lower operating costs. Score that even.

No matter what happens, some residents would feel disappointed, perhaps even betrayed. Others would feel victorious.

But even more would be glad just to put the whole ordeal behind us.

Besides, whether one favors replacement or renovation, or just feels lost in limbo, most can agree on this: We're weary of the issue.