The Rock Island County Board has given its final approval to building an annex to replace the courthouse. Tuesday night the vote was 15-8 in favor of borrowing up to 28 million dollars for the project.
Board Chair, Ken Maranda, says the money will be used by the Public Building Commission for the construction of an annex to the Rock Island County Justice Center. For taxpayers, this will mean an additional 6 1/2 dollars per year.
Opponents said the Board should ask voters for their permission.
Maranda says no decision has been made yet on the future of the courthouse.
He says the next step is for the bonds to be sold and then planning will start for construction, which could begin early next year. The project will also include the demolition of some houses along 3rd Avenue.
