Pulaski County Officials Concerned by Employee Cancer Rate

The high cancer rate among current and former Pulaski County employees is drawing concerns from the county’s safety committee. County Commissioner Jerry Locke, who serves on the committee, brought up the issue to the rest of the commissioners Tuesday.

He pointed out that air and mold studies have been done, but it might be worth revisiting the issue in the near future. The commissioners may ask the county’s insurance providers for guidance.

It’s one of a list of issues that will likely have to be considered, as county officials consider potential facility upgrades. A plan presented last month proposed tearing down the courthouse and adding onto the Justice Center, to address security, ADA compliance, and a number of other concerns. Meanwhile, a “Save the Courthouse” group is exploring ways to keep the historic building in use.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Locke complained that he seems to be the only commissioner getting emails from the group. He felt that any messages should be addressed to all three commissioners.