Security concerns prompt Boulder City to add courthouse project

By Tiffany Gibson

Thursday, April 8, 2010 | 1:03 p.m.

Construction of an additional office building at the Boulder Township Justice Court has been added as a special project in Boulder City’s 2010-2011 fiscal year budget to reinforce security and safety for court personnel.

Victor Miller, municipal judge and justice of the peace, said the office building will be 900 square feet and will give five employees, including the Boulder Township constable, a more secure office connected to the courthouse.

Justice Court employees are currently working in a rented building behind the courthouse, Miller said.

“It means more safety for court employees and the judge,” he said. “There are some security issues.”

Miller said the U.S. Marshals conducted a safety audit of the current Justice Court office a few years ago and deemed it unsafe because it only had one exit and no law enforcement protection. He said the separation of the two buildings also confuses citizens.

The new office space will cost about $325,000 and will be funded through courthouse fees. Miller said the courthouse received enough funds from fine tickets with a $10 facility fee to pay for the new office.

The office’s completion date is unknown, but Miller said he expects construction to begin this summer.