An attempt to solve Rock Island County's courthouse problem is being challenged in court. Today, a special appellate prosecutor filed a complaint against the county's Public Building Commission for over-stepping its authority in June when it voted to buy property for an addition to the justice center.
More than 30 years ago, the Rock Island County Board established the building commission, but limited its power to jail projects. State law requires a referendum to change or expand the commission's power. But two years ago, voters rejected a proposal to do just that.
Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit, Walter Braud, says it was Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee's decision to ask for a special prosecutor.
Braud also says the judge who hears the case must be from a different county. So he chose Henry County, and 14th Circuit Judge Dana Reynolds will preside in the case.