Judicial Center On Hold

The county on Tuesday tabled plans to proceed with a new $18.6 million judicial center, opting to wait until the economy improves.

Commissioners instead voted 5-0 to get cost estimates for renovating a portion of the third floor of the government center to allow for an additional courtroom and a relocated jury assembly room.

They also voted unanimously to put the $18.6 million in a dedicated reserve fund to use when a new complex will be feasible.

"Times being what they are ... we just don't have the resources to move forward with the center," County Commissioner David Russell said.

The board plans to return in about six months to gauge judicial needs.

Circuit Judge Daniel Merritt said he understands times are bad, "but when is it going to be a good time?" he asked.

"At some point, you're going to have to face up to the need for a judicial facility," Merritt said.

An additional courtroom will help in the interim, he said.

"(But) it's like putting a Band-Aid on an amputation," he added. "It is not going to solve the problem.

"We do not want anything plush," he added. "We don't want a Taj Mahal. We want what we need to serve the people of this county."

As the county grows, space needs will worsen, which may cause a hardship for citizens seeking their day in court, he said.

Merritt reminded the board of their constitutional obligation to provide "reasonable and necessary space" for the judiciary.

And while he plans to cooperate with county officials, he reminded them that at some point, he may be forced to "take action" and invoke that constitutional obligation.

County Commissioner Rose Rocco reminded Merritt the board recently approved putting the judicial complex on its "wish list" of capital projects eligible for some of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus money.

That would give the county the much-needed funds to go ahead with the project, she said.

But Merritt said the problem will not soon go away.

He put it another way: There are scores of bathrooms in the government center that aren't always full.

But there are times, during periods of high activity, when people have to go to the bathroom and if those lines are long, it can pose an inconvenience. Merritt thinks courtrooms should be as plentiful as bathrooms.

"When (bathrooms) are needed, they are there," he said.

Commissioners on Tuesday had planned to review the bids from three shortlisted companies vying for the judicial complex construction. But that process has also been placed on the backburner.