Lawmakers delay action on expansion funds for state Supreme court

Wednesday, March 25, 1998 | 11:44 a.m.

IFC members said more time is needed to study the plan, because there are long-range implications that haven't been fully considered.

"It's a whole new concept," said Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno, the IFC chairman. But he added that there's no argument the Supreme Court needs a facility in southern Nevada.

When the court now meets in southern Nevada, it convenes at the North Las Vegas City Hall.

Justice Bob Rose said the initial funding is needed to properly plan ahead for the next several years. He said nothing luxurious is in mind, but space in a secure, public building is necessary.

"In southern Nevada, we'd like to be something other than a vagabond court," he added.

The proposal is expected to come up again at the IFC's May 5 meeting.

The high court wants to pay part of the planning and design costs of the proposed Clark County Regional Justice Center. In return, the court would initially lease space when the building is completed and have the option to pick up more space if needed.

The court's headquarters in Carson City, which opened about seven years ago, was built to accommodate the two additional justices that will come on line in 1999.

Karen Kavanau, director of the administrative office of the court, said the court will ask the 1999 Legislature for money for a long-term lease. It's estimated it would cost the court $1.80 to $1.90 a square foot to lease the space from Clark County.

The 50,000-square-foot plan for the Las Vegas court facilities compares with the state office building in Las Vegas which has 110,000 square feet.

Kavanau said the court's presence will increase in Las Vegas with its expansion, and three-judge panels will begin hearing cases on a regular basis.