HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – County officials focused on restoration and repairs during the March 25 Christian County Fiscal Court meeting as they voted to invest in updates to the jail and downtown Hopkinsville.
Magistrates first approved a bid for the purchase of new bulletproof windows for the Christian County Jail. These would replace existing windows in the facility that have been cracked or damaged. Jailer Adam Smith told the court that the windows have not been replaced since the building was constructed around 30 years ago. The cracking and damage is likely due to the building settling over the years, along with wear and tear from inmates.
Ahead of the bid, contractors walked through the jail assessing which windows would have to be replaced. The court voted to accept a bid for $88,000 to purchase and install the new windows. Smith added that issues have come up during past inspections of the jail, and it is an important although costly replacement that needs to be addressed. They are hoping the project can be completed within this fiscal year.
Courthouse modernization
A last-minute addition to the Fiscal Court agenda was the discussion and approval of an architectural design proposal that would modernize the Christian County Courthouse and the surrounding block downtown.
According to Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam, this renovation has been in discussion with the Building and Grounds Committee for months. The over 80-page proposal the magistrates received outlines possible ideas for restoring and modernizing the courthouse, while maintaining the historical integrity of the building and surrounding area. “We don’t want to renovate it, we want to restore it,” said Gilliam.
Now that they have approved the initial proposal, county officials will look toward the state for grant money that will help fund the massive project, and more solid design plans will be determined.
This long-term project would include improvements to the surrounding campus, including The Alhambra. It was stressed during the meeting that this will be a significant investment, while also being a necessary revival to the over 100-year-old buildings.
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