JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The city has made plans to bring back a familiar face to try to get the ball rolling on the stalled courthouse project, but the services of this part-timer will not come cheap.

With the new courthouse nowhere near being built and the price tag now close to $400 million, the city has reached back in time to bring in a familiar face get the job done.

The city has begun the process of hiring Sam Mousa to oversee the courthouse project. Mousa was Mayor John Delaney's chief aide and one of Mayor John Peyton's first appointments.

He was involved in the original courthouse plan.

"I think the value he brings and the experience he brings with a similar type project, doing those projects in both the public and private sector is just invaluable. It just adds to our team," said Alan Mosely, of the mayor's office.

However, not everyone was so positive about Mousa's return. A group that has been skeptical of the courthouse project from the start called the Concerned Taxpayers said hiring Mousa is a mistake.

"We are reaching to the bottom of the barrel here if we have to bring Sam Mousa back to try and save this courthouse project," said John Draper, of the Concerned Taxpayers. "The idea that Mayor Peyton would call back Sam Mousa is just a sign of desperation."

Also, Mousa doesn't come cheap. He will be working part time and get paid a part-time hourly fee of $225 per hour.

The city said Mousa wouldn't be allowed to make anymore than $135,000 a year for the part-time job.

Channel 4 reporter Jim Piggot talked to Mousa by phone about the job and the pay.

"Jim, I had no input with the maximum indebtedness. I provided the city with an hourly rate, and the city came back with that maximum indebtedness," Mousa said.

City official said the courthouse project needs Mousa, and they believe the move will actually save money.

"As we go forward, we have plans for an engineering firm to help us support our needs as we go forward. We were not going to do all of this in the body of government. We had a consultant planned as our engineering consultant with the work. Sam will supplement our team," Mosely said.

Mousa said he would like to stay with the courthouse project until it is completed.

The city hopes to sign the contract with Mousa next week.