Angela Corey calls for more involvement in renovation of old Federal Courthouse

JACKSONVILLE (ActionNewsJax.com) -- State Attorney Angela Corey has called for more input on the renovation of the old Federal Courthouse. Corey says the City Council is not making good on an ordinance to work closely with her office.

In a letter to City Council President Bill Bishop, Corey points out that City Council Ordinance 2012-284-A states "the State Attorney shall provide advice and counsel regarding the unified courthouse program and the renovations to the old Federal Courthouse."

Corey goes on to say the City Council has been making decisions on the project independent of her office, including hiring a new contractor and changing the bidding process for the renovation.

Corey says these changes were "conducted without our office's participation."  She implores the Council to "confirm the Council's intent and desire that the State Attorney be a part of all discussions and decisions that pertain to the old Federal Courthouse."

Corey brings another Council ordinance into the letter.  2012-382 Council Ordinance was written to protect funds earmarked for the renovation of the old Federal Courthouse.  Corey writes, "We are concerned that funds that were designated to be used for the OFC renovations will be siphoned off to pay for other city obligations at the expense of the timing and adequacy of the old Federal Courthouse renovations.  We would like to see that ordinance re-introduced with the necessary funds to successfully complete the renovation project."

Action News contacted City Council President Bishop about this letter.

He gave us this statement: "I will be contacting Ms. Corey about her letter to tell her I will do what I can to facilitate a resolution to this problem and move this project forward."