BONHAM, Texas (KTEN) — Last year, work to restore the historic Fannin County Courthouse was completed and a community celebrated.

The $30 million makeover added a clock tower to the landmark that had been missing since a fire in 1929.

But county officials are now dealing with the news that the building dates back to 1888 is the target of a number of state code violations.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the courthouse creates an imminent danger.

"Apparently there is a problem with the firebox and the generator that supplies power to it," said County Judge Newt Cunningham. "Apparently, it's not up to code."

That means that the $30 million restoration price tag has increased.

"We spent a lot more than we ever indented to on the project," said Fannin County resident Mike Nejtek. "Now to think that we have to spend more, or to have a shoddy courthouse... either way, it's not good for us.:

Cunningham said repairs to bring the courthouse electrical system into compliance could cost about $500,000.

"The contractor is indicated that he will bear the expense of bringing things to code," Cunningham said.

In the interim, the state inspector offered the county two options: Evacuate the building immediately, or maintain an active fire watch.

"We opted for the fire watch, meaning a person walking around the building, checking for possible fire," Cunningham explained.

But that means another unexpected expense for Fannin County.

"We've got a bay lift that's filling in; we got other people that are filling in; that's going to result in overtime," the judge said.

And as the county is hoping to begin construction on its new justice center by the fall, Cunningham said they've learned their lesson.

"We're going to have a contractor at risk, and they're going to be inspecting everything," he said.