Judicial Center Money Tucked Away

County commissioners have tabled plans to build a multi-million judicial center but have earmarked $18.6 million for the project.

The board opted to wait until the economy improves.

Instead, they will get cost estimates for renovating a portion of the third floor government center to allow for an additional courtroom and a relocated jury assembly room.

Meanwhile, where is that $18.6 million sitting?

Finance Director Amy Gillis said the money is in four separate places: $12.4 million in the capital improvement fund; $2.2 million in the impact fee fund; almost $2.4 million in the court improvement fund; and $1.6 million in the court technology fund.

Of the $37.4 million in the general fund balance forward into the current fiscal year, $7.1 million was transferred into the capital improvement fund, Gillis said. The general fund is supported by property taxes.

That $7.1 million makes up a large portion of the $12.4 million.

Except for the capital improvement fund, all of the funds are restricted. That means they are earmarked for a specific purpose, unless reallocated by county commissioners.

This summer, county commissioners plan to revisit the judicial center issue and gauge court needs.

The money will still be there if they proceed with a new building.