The Pulaski County Justice Center expansion project is about to begin, as the county council continues to approve the procedural steps by the narrowest of margins. Last month, the council voted four-to-three to issue up to $5.6 million worth of bonds.
The vote was the same Monday, when council members were asked for their official permission to spend that money, with Rudy DeSabatine, Tim Overmyer, and Mike Tiede opposing. No objections were raised during a public hearing.
Not only will that additional appropriation allow bills to be paid as they come in, but as project liaison Nathan Origer pointed out, it will also reimburse the county’s funds for previously incurred costs. He said construction manager Tonn & Blank plans to start mobilization next week, and the bond sale is expected to close on August 3.
The project will add a total of 7,300 square feet to the Justice Center, while renovating some of the existing space. That will allow Circuit Court to move over from the Courthouse, which is seen as a major security improvement.
It also paves the way for the future renovation of the historic courthouse, which, so far, remains on hold.
