By Carrie Pond
Paducah, KY – McCracken County officials plan to borrow approximately $3.5 million to renovate the Julian Carroll Convention Center. That amount is a bit higher than previously estimated because fiscal court members will likely opt to separate all utilities at the convention center from the Executive Inn. McCracken County Deputy Judge/Executive Doug Harnice says separating the utilities allows the center to operate independently in the even the hotel's new owners are unable to acquire a loan to begin renovations. He says bids for renovations will open Friday at 2 p.m. Officials will look for a bidder who will be able to finish the renovations in time for the 2009 American Quilter's Society Annual Show and Contest in April.