Rutherford County Courthouse Expansion Continues After Confirmed Bedbug Incident

Rutherford County's $4.84 million courthouse expansion, approved by county commissioners in 2025, remains on track after a confirmed bedbug incident temporarily closed the courthouse, adding an unexpected challenge to one of the county's largest ongoing capital projects.

Rutherford County Clerk of Superior Court Steve Owens previously confirmed the presence of bedbugs at the courthouse. The building closed for two days while a licensed pest control company inspected and treated the facility. Construction crews were moved outside during treatment, and the courthouse reopened on July 8.

The incident is not unique to Rutherford County. The Forsyth County Courthouse has also dealt with bedbugs, an issue that can occur in older, heavily used public buildings. In Forsyth, officials said they're using a specially trained K9 to detect them. There is no known bed bug-sniffing dog in Rutherford.

Construction began in December on the courthouse expansion, which includes a fourth courtroom, courtroom renovations, upgraded judges' offices, and security improvements. The project is being completed in phases to keep court operations open.

County officials have said in public meetings that the expansion will address a long-standing need for additional courtroom space and improve court operations. Construction on the fourth courtroom is expected to begin in early 2027 after other offices are relocated.

The courthouse remained operational through most of the disruption, but the brief closure highlights the challenges of renovating a nearly 100-year-old public building while serving the public. WCAB News will continue tracking whether the project stays on schedule and remains within budget.