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Jett Bros. Contracting Co. of Alabama won the construction contract with a bid of $24,989* which Included granite steps at $650,00. Perhaps abashed by this latter extravagence, the Board eliminated the fire escapes called for in the plans, at a saving of $60.00.
Napoleon Caron was hired to move the old courthouse out of the way so construction could begin. His fee, to move the building and the clerk's vault 76 feet to the east side of the grounds, was $650.00. His agreement called for "retaining the same relationship between the various offices',' keeping all doors and windows "in such a condition that they readily may be opened and closed," and making sure the building still was fully functional at its new location.
John Henry, an architect, was hired as construction superintendent, at two per cent of the cost. The contract with Jett Brothers was signed August 1, 1910, with contract time 8 months. Actual starting date is uncertain, but first payment under the contract, $3,120 made October 4, indicates construction probably began September 1.
Although the courthouse was built from the general county fund without a special tax levy, the Supervisors on December 6, 1910, were forced to borrow $10,000 from the Hancock County Bank. They issued five warrants of $2,000 each, payable one each year for five years.
The new courthouse was formally accepted by the Board September 20, 1911. a year and a month after the original contract was signed.
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