Dueling attorneys appear to have taken over the discussion of how to pay for the possible demolition of the Rock Island County courthouse. Tonight, the county board may vote on an agreement with the Public Building Commission.
In 2015, a judge allowed the county to build an annex to the Criminal Justice Center without asking voters. Then the county raised $28 million for the addition, which is currently under construction. So now lawyers disagree over whether any of that money can be used for something else, like tearing down the old courthouse.
The law firm representing the Rock Island and Moline preservation societies says the money cannot be used for demolition.
The proposed agreement also says the county board will study its facilities and whether renovating the courthouse would serve those needs.
RI Co Brd Attorney Letter Opinion by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd
Preservation Society Letter by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd
