Barren County officials assure taxpayers on Justice Center budget; preliminary designs under review

GLASGOW, Ky. – Monday, News 40 received an update on the new Barren County Justice Center. Kentucky allocated over $30 million back in 2020 specifically for Barren County’s Judicial Center.

Finally, the county legislature saw preliminary designs at the end of this March. These designs have worried some due to surpassing the allocated budget.

County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd assures taxpayers they are only scratching the surface of the preliminary design stage.

Encompassing a traditional design structure, building an accommodating parking lot, and crafting a more budget-friendly rendering are highlights of Byrd’s vision.

“We are on the right path,” said Byrd. “We just need to take some time to understand that this is a process and it’s just now starting. And, we’re actually kind of late to the game. It took a while for them to decide on the location…”

Byrd says officials are also working to put the old courthouse to best use.

She hopes to break ground on the new judicial center next January.