Pulaski County outlines capital‑planning, ADA elevator funding and building maintenance needs

Pulaski County commissioners discussed long‑term options for county facilities, including consolidation, renovations to improve ADA access and a capital projects plan to map maintenance and replacement needs.

Chair (speaker 1) said the county has discussed renovating the courthouse and other county properties for several months and noted the county "pulled approximately $1,000,000 for an elevator" to provide ADA access to the health department. He asked for a uniform capital projects plan that lists current buildings, upcoming needs and projected costs and suggested meeting separately with department heads to gather operational input.

The board mentioned a Baker Tilly comprehensive study as a resource to evaluate building conditions and future costs. Staff also urged the county to develop a maintenance plan that covers roof and HVAC replacements and to consider consolidating departments to reduce operating costs.

During public comment, Sherry Fagben (speaker 8) identified herself as a county employee and urged the commissioners to document office procedures and accelerate repairs. "If it's not on paper, it didn't happen," she said, and asked the board to prioritize longstanding maintenance needs at EMS and other facilities.

Commissioners agreed to solicit public input in August and to publish a list of county buildings and needs on the county website so residents can review and offer ideas. No construction contracts or funding approvals were made at the meeting; staff were asked to compile information and return with a proposed plan and public outreach schedule.