IVCCD Chancellor Kristie Fisher announced at Wednesday’s Iowa Valley Community College District board meeting that the district has agreed to allow Marshall County to hold court in the Orpheum.

Fisher said the partnership will be beneficial for everyone.

“We were not planning cultural or arts events through the end of 2020 anyway. We just can’t take any additional risks,” Fisher said at the board meeting.

She said the Orpheum would have been empty or almost empty through the end of the year.

“It’s good for tax payers that, you know, the asset that’s already there is going to be used,” Fisher said.

She said it was the right thing to do in order to assist the county.

“We’re really delighted to help out,” Fisher said on Thursday.

She said IVCCD and Marshall County Courts are “working together and collaborating to do what’s right”

This partnership will help out tax payers who need to be seen in court.

The agreement has not been drafted yet and distinct plans are yet to be decided.

Fisher said the county will take “total control of the building.” Utilities and maintenance costs will be paid for by the county. Face covering rules will be up to the county.

According to Marshall County Auditor and Recorder Nan Benson, court proceedings are still taking place in the basement of the MAX Building for the time being. She said leadership from IVCCD and Marshall County Courts met Thursday to hash out plans.

“We are still working out a lot of details,” Benson said.

She added they will use the Orpheum at least until the end of the year, which is a great help.

“We’re very appreciative to the college,” Benson said.

IVCCD, Marshall County Courts and Marshall County will issue a joint press release when more details have been decided.

——

Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.