BONHAM, Texas (KTEN) — The Fannin County Courthouse was deemed an imminent danger last August due to electrical problems after undergoing a $30 million restoration.

Now, Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham is taking matters into his own hands; he's filed a petition for depositions to find out who is responsible for work that failed to meet requirements.

"We didn't get the courthouse we originally wanted built for $30 million," Judge Newt Cunningham said. 

The courthouse was constructed in 1888, with its most recent renovations completed in 2022.

Last summer, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said the building was not up to code. Courthouse staff were given the option to vacate or maintain a fire watch while the building was occupied.

Cunningham said the fire watch was lifted just a few months ago.

"We’re starting with the most serious problems first, getting those fixed," he said. "We’re trying to get the contractors who were involved to come up and reimburse the county for moneys we’re having to spend to do something that they should have done properly in the first place.”

Problems include faulty electrical wiring valued at $500,000, floors that aren't level and falling wood.

"Some things were never completed, and other things were completed in a shoddy fashion. So, what we're trying to do is correct all the problems with the courthouse," Cunningham said. 

Judge Cunningham filed a petition in late January for depositions to a possible lawsuit into the contractors responsible for the renovation or lack thereof. 

"It takes my time, and it keeps me from doing other things that need to be done like the county trying to get a justice center."

One taxpayer hopes he won't have to pay for other's mistakes. 

"I'm all in favor of it. I think whoever is responsible their airing of admissions should cover it I don't taxpayers should have to foot the bill," Keith Mumaw said.