Officials are predicting an early December opening for the county's new courthouse.

Bob Ivey, manager of special projects for the Dawson County Board of Commissioners, said a rough winter followed by frequent rain storms in spring delayed construction by about 12 weeks.

There were also a couple early delays brought on by issues with soil at the construction site, but Ivey said those issues were easily resolved and construction is now moving forward with ease.

"With approximately 80 workers onsite, the primary objective is to have the building in the dry and the building air conditioned by mid-July," Ivey said. "Currently there are 10 trades working on the courthouse, including drywall contractors as well as stone/brick masons."

Multiple subcontractors are also working off site to prepare the building's terrazzo flooring and security systems.

Approved by voters in 2007 as the top priority for 1-cent sales tax funds, the 111,000-square-foot facility will face Shoal Creek Road and replace the current courthouse that was built in 1977.

The center will bring all levels of local government under one roof, at a construction cost of $15.4 million, the lowest price in the state in the past 12 years for a building of this type, county officials have said.

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners is now reviewing bids for the building's furniture, fixtures and equipment.