FAYETTE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISCUSS NEW JUSTICE CENTER

  

The Fayette County Commissioners Court has begun discussions on whether or not to build a new justice center.

According to the Fayette County Record, District Court Judge Jeff Steinhauser said at the meeting that they have seen an increase in indictments. Last year, the court had 223 indictments, and this year, they are already at 347 indictments with three more sessions to go.

They are also having an issue with not enough restrooms for those called for jury duty, and that the current courthouse cannot meet the technological demands of modern trials.

The Commissioners had previously hired the firm, Burns Architects, to inspect the jail and provide recommendations for expansion. They came back with a proposal for a $4.6 million expansion project.

Another option presented was to expand the jail and build an adjoining annex that would include a new district courtroom. Judge Steinhauser said that by moving the courtroom closer to the jail that it would alleviate security concerns when transporting prisoners.

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek recommended building a new Justice Center like the one that recently opened in Austin County.  The new justice center would include a larger jail, Sheriff’s Office and 911 Dispatch Center, district courtroom and offices for the district judge and district clerk.

The Commissioners set a deadline of January 1 to name a committee to investigate building a new justice center.  It will be made up of representatives from the Offices of County Sheriff, District Judge, District Attorney, and District Clerk.