The Pulaski County Council voted 4-3 to approve the first reading of a $5.6 million bond ordinance for the Pulaski County Justice Center's expansion project Monday evening in the Pulaski County Highway Garage. 

The tie-breaking vote was cast by Council President Ken Boswell ending the joint meeting with the Pulaski County Council in applause. 

It's the first of an estimated $11 million in total for renovations, which will include the restoration of the county courthouse. Updating the Pulaski County Justice Center and renovating the historic 1895 courthouse has been an ongoing topic. The Pulaski County Courthouse has not been in compliance with state and federal security for years. 

The commissioners and council members revisited budget cuts as ways to save during the meeting, something Pulaski County CDC Executive Director Nathan Origer says, could end up costing the taxpayers in the end. 

Origer has overseen the development of the project and reminded everyone at Monday's meeting that wasted time is wasted money. 

Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine brought up his concerns with security and the safety of his jailers and the need to get the work release program going.  

The judges from both courts, Mary Welker and Crystal Kocher, were also in attendance at the meeting and spoke out about their concerns. 

A second reading will be voted on at the council meeting in June for a final decision on the bond ordinance.