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Judge: Space Crunch 'Dire'

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By MICHAEL D. BATES, Hernando Today

Published: November 28, 2007

Updated: 11/27/2007 10:11 pm

BROOKSVILLE Circuit Judge Daniel Merritt pulled no punches Tuesday when he impressed on county commissioners the need for more courtrooms and judicial offices.

It's a need that should have been met years ago, he said. Today, the judicial is scrambling to find space for courtroom proceedings, he said, and it is creating a nightmare for the scheduling clerks.

"We are almost in a dire situation," Merritt told the five commissioners who carved out space on their agenda to discuss the need for judicial space. It's a need that commissioners are legally obligated to fill.

Recently, they turned their first floor boardroom over to the judiciary. Merritt said that is a good stop-gap measure, but there must be a long-term solution.

"We need to move at a faster pace than we have been," Merritt said. "We have an immediate need."

Recognizing that, commissioners voted 5-0 to accept interim County Administrator Larry Jennings recommendation to have county staff meet with representatives from the judiciary, state attorney's office, public defender and clerk of the circuit court to finalize their five-year space needs.

They also agreed to meet Jan. 15 to brainstorm on costs and options, which include relocating administrative space on the second and third floor of the downtown government center and turn it over to the judiciary.

Another option is considering a 5-acre parcel at 375 Broad St. that was formerly used by register Chevrolet and now owned by SunTrust Bank.

That parcel already has four buildings and is close to the courthouse. Jennings said the estimated asking price is $4.5 million.

Given the tight financial constraints, that option may prove too costly, Commissioner Rose Rocco said.

Commissioners also agreed to move forward with securing an architect for courtroom design and other renovations.

Merritt said he is hopeful the Jan. 15 meeting will be productive, especially with all the stakeholders involved.

"I think this is a positive first step and we need to move forward," Commissioner Chris Kingsley said.

Hernando County currently has five full-time and one part-time circuit court judges, along with two county court judges and a general magistrate.

There is also a special hearing officer assigned to child support enforcement cases.

Civic activist Janey Baldwin cautioned against spending $4.5 million for the Broad Street property, especially in the midst of a depressed real estate market.

"Let's be careful what we enter into," Baldwin said.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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