Pulaski County Council members are joining in recommending Tonn & Blank Construction to oversee the Courthouse renovation and Justice Center expansion projects, but not without a lengthy discussion on a proposed work release facility.
While the decision is ultimately up to the board of commissioners, President Chuck Mellon told council members Monday that he wanted to make sure they’re in the loop. “The reason for not signing the contract at our last meeting is we just wanted to make sure that the seven people sitting around here knew the procedure that they went through,” he explained. “We had no problems with the process.”
But Council Member Rudy DeSabatine had concerns with the increasing cost estimates. He noted that the estimated cost of a work release center proposed for the Justice Center basement had more than doubled. He also questioned whether freeing up more space to bring in more federal inmates would really help the county financially.
But Sheriff Jeff Richwine pointed out that there’s also a human side to the work release proposal. He said addiction problems are wrecking families across all areas and income levels, and an in-county work release program could be a way to let residents continue to be productive members of society while also getting the help they need.
Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer is serving as the county’s liaison for the projects. He said that the work release center doesn’t have to be part of the current Justice Center project, but doing it now would allow project bond money to be used, rather than the county’s cash reserves. Origer said that at this point, the commissioners are simply hiring a construction manager. They won’t be locking in prices or even specific work yet.
Council Member Kathi Thompson voiced her support for moving ahead with Tonn & Blank. “I just think this is a really great opportunity for the county,” she said. “I like the contractor that has been chosen. I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the commissioners as they move forward with this.”
The only council member to voice outright opposition was Mike Tiede, again citing concerns with the work release cost. “I don’t know how we’re going to afford this,” he said. “We just tax, tax, tax. It’s just sad.”
The county commissioners could make a final decision on Tuesday.
