The Marion County Board of Supervisors have approved an upgrade to the county third floor courtroom.

According to Marion County Attorney Jared Harmon, traditionally there have been three courtrooms in the courthouse. The District Associate courtroom on the 4th floor is where misdemeanors, traffic, juvenile, small claims, and more are handled. The “main” courtroom on the third floor is where jury trials, felony proceedings, divorce and custody matters are held. There was another “secondary” courtroom across the hall on the third floor. This was used for some civil trials, court service day, and other hearings when necessary, and could be used for court whenever there was a jury trial in the main courtroom. However, in 2020 when Covid arrived, the decision was made to remove the secondary third-floor courtroom to make space for social distancing. 

Since Covid restrictions have been lifted, it has become clear to the attorney’s office that they need that courtroom back in use. They have had multiple situations where they’ve had two district court hearings at the same time and nowhere to conduct the second.. It has been a goal of Harmon’s to restore that courtroom after he took office. Earlier this year, an administrator from the Judicial Branch was visiting to consider new furniture for the courtrooms. Harmon asked her about restoring the courtroom and how much funding the Judicial Branch could provide. There is a statute that says if a courtroom is created/restored, the Judicial Branch is responsible for 75% of the cost and the county must cover the remaining 25%. Harmon approached the Board of Supervisors with that information and asked to use a courthouse security fund to provide the necessary money for the project, which was approved.

 Harmon says the justice system in Marion County needs three courtrooms and people should not have their hearings delayed or have security for litigants compromised because there isn’t  enough space for residents. The county cost for this project is $22,000, in which the maintenance department will take care of the construction portion, which will include a wall built along with a platform for the judge’s bench. Once this is done, it can be furnished with proper computer equipment, furniture, and counsel tables.