Skip Hulet”s letter to the editor expressed concerns about the cost of a new courthouse in Lake County at a time when property values are dropping and unemployment is high. I”d like to respond to his questions and misperceptions.
A new courthouse in Lakeport is urgently needed. For years, the current building has been near the top of the statewide list of courthouses most in need of replacement. The current courthouse has significant security problems, is very overcrowded, and has many physical problems that prevent the court from providing safe and efficient services.
Funds for the new courthouse will come not from taxes or the state”s general fund, but from court users throughout the state, in the form of a portion of fees and penalties. Two years ago, Senate Bill 1407 was passed to replace or renovate the most dilapidated and dangerous courthouses without impact on the General Fund.
Now, when land values are down, is actually a good time to undertake this project. The project also presents an opportunity for much-needed economic stimulus, so yes, it will help Lake County. It”s estimated that the project will generate more than 1,700 direct and indirect jobs, many of them local. The construction manager will perform local outreach to ensure that qualified local subcontractors and suppliers can bid on construction work.
The Administrative Office of the Courts, which manages the project, maintains tight control of project budgets. They have recently completed two courthouse projects in other areas of the state, both of them under budget. Everyone involved in the project is committed to keeping it on budget and on schedule.
As to the courthouse”s location, accessibility is a very important consideration. In fact, the sites currently under consideration are within the Lakeport city limits. We look forward to the day a few years out when our new courthouse enables the court to greatly improve service, security, and access to justice for the residents of Lake County.
Hon. Richard C. Martin, Presiding Judge Superior Court of Lake County
