Judges rethink upgrade, taxpayers clean up

Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 | 7:27 a.m.

A second look at how the courts' budget helped save Clark County taxpayers more than $2 million this week:

In October district court judges wanted Clark County commissioners to approve $16.6 million in construction and renovation costs to make room for six new judges who will take office in 2009.

County commissioners, however, said they wanted the judges to consider some possible alternatives, such as night and weekend court hours that might allow for more efficient use of existing space and save millions in construction costs. Come back in about a month, commissioners said.

When the judges returned to commission chambers Tuesday, they didn't have much to say about night court, which many judges and attorneys don't like because it would interfere with time they spend with their families.

But something miraculous had occurred since their last visit. It turns out they now need only $14.4 million to house the new judges, having sliced $2.2 million from the budget after thinking about it for a few extra weeks.

"A lot has changed since June," Presiding Family Court Judge Arthur Ritchie said.

The Legislature in June approved the six new judgeships. Since then, the county's revenue stream has diminished because of legislative actions and lower-than-expected tax revenues. At the same time, court caseloads continue to grow.

Those factors, Commission Chairman Rory Reid said, "caused us to come together in a way we haven't before."

Most of the savings - $1.84 million - arise from a decision not to divide a large courtroom into two rooms at the family court campus on Pecos Road near Bonanza.

"I don't think we are shortchanging ability to serve citizens by not splitting that courtroom," Ritchie said.

Another $374,671 will be saved by scaling back renovations to leased space in the Phoenix Building.

The newfound money might go toward a civil law self-help center or to leasing new space for the district attorney's Family Support Division, which now is scattered throughout several facilities.

As for night court, an idea first floated by Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, the judges said they still are researching it and didn't have enough time to reach any conclusions. They are looking at all options seriously, they told commissioners.

"We made it clear to them we want to work with them, but we need them to find ways to be more creative," Reid said.