Rock Island County will not have to ask voters for permission to build a new annex for the courthouse. That was the ruling today in a lawsuit against the Rock Island County Public Building Commission.
At a hearing in Cambridge, Special Prosecutor Chuck Zalar argued the commission is limited to jail projects by the 1981 ordinance that created it. Rock Island County built a new jail in 1986. Then more than ten years later, it expanded the jail and built the adjacent justice center. It was financed as one project.And what the judge decided was the resolution adopted by the public building commission in June of this year was consistent with the past resolution. And that in effect a courtroom or courtrooms are part of the same structure and purpose as a jail.
Henry County Judge Dana McReynolds' ruling is subject to his review of documents about the jail addition and justice center.The judge wanted to know the language that was used by the building commission back then when new bonds were issued to do that construction.
Judge McReynolds ruled building the proposed justice center annex is within the authority of the public building commission and the Rock Island County Board. That means they won't have to hold a referendum if the cost doesn't exceed limits under the current levy.
Attorney Mike Halpin represented the Public Building Commission.
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