THOMASVILLE — As the new Thomas County Judicial Center approaches occupancy, Thomas County commissioners approved an asbestos and lead paint assessment for the historic Thomas County Courthouse.

Offices now housed in the historic courthouse will move across the street to the new structure at North Madison and West Washington streets.

Carpet installation in the new building will be complete in about two weeks. Furniture and fixtures will follow.

Occupancy of the Judicial Center, which has been landscaped, will take place before the end of the year.

The new building’s campus will be smoke-free and posted as such.

“We want to go with the total smoke-free campus over there,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Beverly, chairman of the commission public property committee.

As soon as the historic courthouse, built in 1858, is vacated, restoration/renovation will begin.

The old building has been remodeled a number of times, resulting in many layers of interior paint.

Huber Engineering Co. Inc., of Thomasville, was awarded the contract for asbestos and lead paint assessment of the 151-year-old building. Huber’s bid was $3,000.

An assessment team will inspect the structure and identify and collect samples of potential asbestos-containing material and/or lead paint.

Commissioner Moses Gross asked Tony Huber, company president, if special measures would be required to dispose of asbestos or lead paint.

“It will have to be disposed of according to EPA (federal Environmental Protection Agency) and EPD (Georgia Environmental Protection Division),” Huber responded.

Huber pointed out that if asbestos and/or lead paint are present in the building, it is possible the materials would not be disturbed during renovation/restoration.

The new Judicial Center and historic courthouse projects are being funded — at $10 million and $6 million, respectively — with revenue from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.