Durham County is moving fast to make the most of these hard times. In particular, moving on its long-proposed judicial center.

"The construction market appears to be very hungry," County Manager Mike Ruffin told the county commissioners Monday night. Acting quickly can save the county millions, he said, on a building project estimated to run more than $140 million.

"We have a timeline we're trying to meet," Ruffin said.

Eight contractors showed up for a pre-bid conference on the judicial center project, and as many as 16 firms may end up trying for the contract, Ruffin said.

Timing came up during a discussion of when the Scarborough and Hargett Funeral Home has to move. Its Dillard Street site is part of the property destined for the new courthouse.

Durham County bought Scarborough and Hargett's property in 2006, paying $3.75 million for a tract tax-valued at $1.52 but avoiding an unpleasant condemnation proceeding with the 137-year-old business — third-oldest black-owned mortuary in the United States, according to owner J.C. Scarborough.

Since then, the funeral home has leased the property while waiting on a new building's completion at Mangum Street and Jackie Robinson Drive. With the lease expiring, Scarborough asked for a nine-month extension, but that was too long for building plans according to County Engineer Glen Whistler.

"We have to take possession of the property by Jan. 1 to protect all our interests," Ruffin said.

After several citizens — including City Council candidates Donald Hughes and Darius Little — asked commissioners to give Scarborough a break, Oct. 31 was approved as vacating deadline.

Plans are to clear the site — a process requiring asbestos abatement, Ruffin said — as soon as possible, with the courthouse bidding to be done by year's end. Ruffin said he expects to present a contract for the commissioners' approval Feb. 8, and construction to begin March 1.