Community Impact reports that there is no rush for Montgomery County Commissioners to put a justice center bond onto the May ballot. During a September 17th workshop, court members said the county needs a more focused picture of its courtroom, parking and security issues before sending the project to voters to fund. Officials talked about scheduling another workshop in December or January.
The conversation among the court was more about outlining the right project before agreeing on a settled cost or financing plan and less about if whether there is more space needed for the courthouse.
Back in August, commissioners decided against a November bond election after taking a critical look at a $350 million facility concept from Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects. A 777 space parking garage and around 316,000 square feet for 21 courtrooms is what was included in the proposal.
The September 17th workshop demonstrated that the county’s needs in the future could be larger.
County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Claudia Laird passed along that the county currently needs 23 courtrooms but has only 17 at present. If the Texas legislature gives its approval to additional courts and associate judges, courtroom needs could increase to 31 by 2029.
Filings in the county’s district, county and probate courts, according to a separate projection during the workshop could increase from just under 35,000 in 2025 to around 72,000 by 2050.
Officials said the justice center could need 35-42 courtrooms by 2050, regarding how in step the county implements the state’s weighted caseload recommendations.
In a rough layout presented by Judge Kristin Bays, it was shown how four to six courtrooms could fit on a floor at the site downtown previously picked by commissioners. Although Bays and the architects made it known that the sketches were not final designs, under the largest plans under consideration the building could reach as many as 12 stories.
