The Marion County Board of Supervisors met in a special session Thursday. The board held a public hearing regarding the new elevator, fire sprinkler, and accessibility improvements project at the courthouse. Following the public hearing the board approved the bid from Ball Team Construction for $2,176,000 which includes a base bid of $1,565,000 and six alternate bids for additional work at the courthouse. The alternate bid items include the addition of a fire suppression system, demolition of the existing elevator and fire retardant paint, among other items. Construction on the new elevator is expected to begin in March and last through the fall, at which time daily courthouse business will be conducted at the old East Elementary Building in Knoxville.