Montgomery County Superior Court Judge Heather Barajas asked the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday to pause funding renovations at the courthouse.
Barajas said she and the other judges believe their needs are not being addressed by design engineers and they request a meeting with council members and county commissioners.
“We do not know if the renovation is just for improving the aesthetic look or the long-term functionality of the courthouse,” Barajas said. “We hope the county will do it right the first time.”
Barajas said she and the other judges are concerned with the latest plan devised by DLZ Engineering, saying the renovations do not meet the future needs of the courts.
“We do not see improvement to the courthouse electrical system or addressing the inadequate WI-FI we have,” Barajas said. “We are concerned the DLZ plan does not adequately address the future functionality of the courthouse.”
Barajas added that the judges want to relocate Superior Court 2 from the third floor to the first floor and add a new magistrate court. Neither of those wishes are included in the plans.
“We need a fourth courtroom,” Barajas said. “Crime is not going down and we have more court cases than ever.”
The plan includes adding restrooms and painting the interior, which Barajas agreed is needed. However, the she and the other judges don’t believe the renovation plans go far enough.
“We acknowledge the structural improvements are needed to keep the building standing,” Barajas said. “But the DLZ plans do not reflect what the judges want or need.”
County Building Department Administrator Marc Bonwell reminded the council the initial reason for the renovation project was to address structural problems and renovate the exterior.
Cost to renovate the exterior of the historic building is estimated at $4 million and interior renovations have been estimated at $900,000.
Council members and commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for 9 a.m. Friday to discuss the courthouse renovation project along with other projects.
