Referendum possible for RI County building plan

The public will have a say in plans for the Rock Island County Courthouse and office building, possibly through a referendum, a county official said late last week.

Rock Island County Board member Tom Rockwell, who is leading the committee investigating costs associated with housing four county buildings under one roof, said the county should take positive action and consolidate buildings, but its up to the county board what process its going to take. I fully assume that if we do take positive action, a process for public input will be taken.

The committee is considering four options:

- Build a new facility in downtown Rock Island

- Rehabilitate the courthouse, 210 15th St., and office building, 1504 3rd Ave.

- Relocate to the Quad-Cities Industrial Center, or QCIC, 350 44th St.

- Do nothing

In his opinion, Rockwell said the county cant maintain the status quo and operate the 117-year-old courthouse and 113-year-old office building the old Modern Woodmen building without significant repairs to bring them up to even minimum code requirements.

I havent seen everyones recommendation, he said. But thats not going to be mine.

Each of the six members of the committee will make his own recommendation, and Rockwell will compile those recommendations into one report, he said. He then will present the report publically to the county board July 2.

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Referendum possible for RI County building plan