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The Coffee County Capital Outlay Committee approved a design for four new Welcome to Coffee County signs to be placed on major highways coming into the county during its Nov. 7 meeting.

In previous meetings, the committee invited local sign companies Harden Signs, Cook Signs and Silver Lining Signs to discuss their products, and eventually chose a Harden Sign design that will feature the county’s logo on a black background with reflective white lettering. The sign will be supported with black posts on the sides and topped with a black ball.

“I like the black,” said Capital Outlay Chairman Terry Hershman. “I think when you go down the road it will pop out at you.”

A green background was voted down due to its resemblance to other highway signs. 

The committee also chose the specifications for the material of the signs. Funding for the signs will come from a county line item for signage and possibly tourism dollars.

Courthouse lighting approved

Capital Outlay also approved LED outdoor lighting that will illuminate the front and the rear sides of the county courthouse.

Commissioner Jimmy Hollandsworth reported to the committee that Manchester Historic Zoning Commission did not object to the alteration of the building.

During last month’s meeting County Mayor Dennis Hunt, while supporting the project, was concerned Historic Zoning might object to conduit and LED fixtures being mounted to the foundation of the pre-Civil War structure.

Hollandsworth said he and Manchester Codes Director Brittany Fiske toured the grounds and noted many modern cables, wires and boxes mounted to the brick façade.

County Maintenance Director Rick Soucy said lights will be operated by two controllers that will be located in secured areas inside the courthouse. The color of the lights can be changed for various occasions.

The committee approved a project to cost no more than $10,000 and to cover two sides of the building, with the option to expand to the others sides in the future.