Editorial: City should abide by its commitment

Monday, May 24, 2004 | 8:39 a.m.

Years from now, when the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas is a hub of activity, people will not remember that it opened three years late and $15 million to $20 million over budget. Or, if they do remember, the delays and cost overruns will have ceased to be an issue. But they will notice and continually grumble if the center opens without courtrooms for the Las Vegas Municipal Court, as is now being suggested.

The building's whole idea, dating back to the mid-1990s, was to bring the three main courts in Clark County -- Las Vegas Municipal Court, Clark County Justice Court and Clark County District Court -- together under one roof. Voters approved bond issues for exactly that purpose. Last week, however, the Las Vegas City Council voted to open talks about dropping out of the agreement.

The city may have some legal grounds, as its agreement with Clark County stipulates that the the county is "liable for liquidated damages associated with delays beyond ... Dec. 31, 2003." The projected opening of the center is now set for around March of next year. Two years of constant delays, however, have made any projected opening date untrustworthy. In that respect, we understand the city's frustration.

Nevertheless, the city should remain committed to the project. Taxpayers approved the money because it makes logistical sense to have all the major courtrooms in one easily accessible building. Also, taxpayers would be abused financially if the city drops out. The bonds financing the 17-story center were issued based on the city's participation, at a cost to the city exceeding $33 million. County Manager Thom Reilly makes a valid point in saying the bond issue represented the city's "full faith and credit." The city should not complicate the project any more than it is by going back on this commitment. There have been enough cost overruns without the added expense associated with a city withdrawal and a reissuing of the bonds. Ripping out the already-constructed, custom-designed Municipal Court facilities (without jury boxes, municipal courtrooms are of no use to the county) would also add to the cost.

Clark County Aviation Director Randy Walker, who took over as supervisor of the center's construction after the original managers were let go because of the delays, says it's "very late in the game" for the city to be talking of a pullout. We agree.