MARYVILLE, Mo. - Nodaway County officials have followed in their predecessors' footsteps through a new government building to resolve a longstanding problem with space.

The estimated $5 million Nodaway County Administration Center formally opened Monday at 403 N. Market St. It will provide more elbow room for officerholders to serve the public, leaders said. Construction began two years ago.

The new structure eases cramped quarters at the Nodaway County Courthouse across the street. Treasurer and Ex-Officio Collector Marilyn Jenkins and her staff have already moved into a new office. Some minor work still remains, although seven other offices plan to gradually finish their moves as well.

"I think it's been a long time coming," said Sheriff Darren White, whose department will occupy offices on the lowest level. "We're still waiting. Our space is pretty well finished."

The County Commission, county clerk, assessor, recorder, juvenile office, and University Extension will take up residence in the new center. Extra space will be available on the third floor for future expansion, and a public meeting room will be offered on the main floor for nonprofit and civic group use.

Presiding Commissioner Joe Baumli told visitors that the building represents the county's latest effort at combatting growth issues. The building's opening, he said, could be regarded just as significant as Nodaway County's original incorporation date of Feb. 14, 1845, and the construction of its three courthouses.

"The need for this facility has been apparent for many years, with concerns that the courthouse was not large enough to take care of county business," Mr. Baumli said in his dedication address.

Patron complaints over the small amount of space at the 1883 courthouse date back through the early 20th century, he added. Now, the courthouse will be used exclusively for the court system: the prosecuting attorney's and circuit clerk's offices will return to the building from locations on the square.

Plans for the center began 25 years ago, when commissioners leased the county nursing home to Tiffany Health Care and placed the proceeds into a building fund. Revenue from the sale of the county farm more than two years ago and subsequent budget surpluses also assisted the project.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.