Courthouse renovations build negative concerns

Rumors of how much the proposed Pulaski County Courthouse renovations could cost has residents voicing their opinions, both good and bad.
During a regular meeting on March 7, the commissioners wanted a brief presentation of the renovations and addition to be made for the public. 
Rob Galbraith, who is part of the team working on the renovations and addition, said he has been working on the project for about three months. Surveys of the building were completed along with designs being created. 
Renovations include making an entrance Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, single-point entry and security changes, an addition of about 9,000 square feet, a courtyard, making the building structurally sound, a new elevator, new heating and cooling center and new ADA-compliant bathrooms. There would be more than 3,000 square feet added to each floor as part of the addition. He estimated it could be about $6.5-$7 million. 
At the time of the meeting, commissioner Terry Young said he hasn’t heard any negative comments about the project. He also understood that the council is behind the project. 
“The council approved that we go ahead with the structural repair,” Young said. 
Commissioner Larry Brady said the project, as a whole, has not been finalized and it could still be on a referendum. 
Commissioner Bud Krohn Jr. agreed that the courthouse needs repair but that many are not excited “about putting our grandkids in debt. We want this to be as conservative as possible.”