FIRST FLOOR

Entering the Ingham County Courthouse will take you back to the turn of the century when wood, plaster, marble, chandeliers, paintings and craftsmanship were used to build and decorate this historic building.

Edwin Bowd, the architect, designed the first floor for easy access to the offices. Originally the west main street entrance opened on both sides of the marble staircase that leads to the second floor. In the mid seventies, Circuit Court and the County Clerk separated into two offices and more office space was needed in the building. The northwest corridor was closed off and was made into new office space.

Located in the northwest corridor was the original museum and display cases that housed donated items given to the County. The display cases were taken apart,  refinished and rebuilt in the main hallway for public viewing. In the museum items from a few years of age to 300 years old can be viewed. New wall display cases have also been added to the main floor for short term exhibits and traveling displays from outside sources.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONER' OFFICE: The Board of Commissioners is the legislative and policy oversight body of Ingham County either directly or through the appointment of various boards, commissions and county officials. The Board consists of 13 members each representing a district nearly equal in population. The Board determines the types and level of county services, adopts the County budget, as well as County ordinances and policies governing administration of County government, and approves the equalization of property values.

COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE: The County Clerk is the keeper of records of births, deaths, marriages, co-partnerships, assumed names, concealed weapons licenses, notary bonds and agent for passports. The Clerk serves as Chairperson for the Election Scheduling Committee, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, Clerk of the Board of Canvassers, member of the Election Commission, Plat Board, Jury Board and Gun Board.

COUNTY CONTROLLER'S OFFICE: Under the direction of the Board of Commissioners the Controller is the chief fiscal and administrative officer for the County. Responsibilities include central administrative functions, providing a balanced budget to the Board of Commissioners and liaison between county officials, department heads and the general public. The following departments are under the Controller's supervision: Financial Services, MIS, Human Resources, Purchasing and Facilities, Budgeting, Development and Community Corrections.

The beauty of the refinished wood from Michigan, marble from Vermont, new chandeliers and three new works of art, two plaques, eight donated paintings from the civil war era, three donated portraits and nine donated antique photographs adorn the walls of the first floor.