Working To Improve the Courtroom Experience

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – The Clay County leadership is looking to relieve, what they describe as a cramped situation.

The board of supervisors voted to increase courtroom space, both inside and out.

“We’re just trying to make things better for the people of this county and we’re ready to get it underway,” said Clay County Board Of Supervisors president Lynn Horton.

Horton is talking about the expansion of the courtroom.

On February 18 the board voted to enter into a purchase agreement with The Golden Triangle Leasing Entity corporation to buy more space.

“We’re limited with the cases that we do. With this new facility the judges could handle more cases and bring in more money to the county,” said Horton.

The new county court complex would accommodate three additional courtrooms, three jury boxes and office space for both Circuit and Justice Court Officials.

Another issue the board is factoring in is the parking, they say at the current location it’s congested but they are hoping the new location will relieve the congested.

“Having court and taxes being paid purchasing tags just getting papers notarized, you might have to park a mile away just to ask a question but with this new facility we’re going to have all the space we need,” said Horton.

The agreement will span 20 years with a minimal increase to tax payers.

“We will basically see no increase in the mileage for years 2019 and it’s projected for years 20 and 21 it would be very minimal. It would be point one of a mileage. which is basically on a home that’s valued at $120,000, $1.92 county tax impact on your county tax,” said Chancery Court Clerk Amy Berry.

Harrell gets to see the congestion first hand. He says a little space will do a lot of good.

“It would be just nice to have the extra room right now we’re congested with just the one court room it’s hard to get both judges in here and jurors,”said Circuit Court Clerk Bob Harrell.

The board hopes to have the new facility up and running by spring 2019.