Expansion in the works
The Town of Oro Valley is considering an expansion of the Oro Valley Town Court. This would be the first time that the town has actually added space to that facility. The court is located at the town's municipal complex on La Canada Drive.The court has been taking over space that was previously occupied by other town functions. For example, there was once a holding cell. Now, however, even more space is needed.
The court processes misdemeanor cases, cases where charges have yet to be determined, and all civic traffic tickets. The facility is also a place for people to get marriage licenses and seek restraining orders. Anyone in the state can avail themselves of these two services. One can do these on line or in person.
Many things are driving the need for more space
To bring the facilities up to current security standards
"What this is about is bringing the court up to current security standards," according to James Hazel, the town's presiding judge. Hazel is entering his third year with the town.
The current facility has a tiny lobby that is dominated by security equipment. This makes screening difficult and requires people to wait outside. There is no separation of court and non court areas, as dictated by the Arizona Supreme Court. Attorneys and their clients have no place to meet or prepare. There is no conference room. Those having to use a restroom must leave the building, causing them to be re-screened.
Designed to meet minimum standards
Judge Hazel believes that the planned expansion meets current minimum standards. One example of the expansion is shown in the panel right. The additional space, highlighted in green, is in the front and to the left side of the current building, which faces La Canada Drive.
"Certain requirements are mandated by current code provisions that were passed by the legislature; certain things for restroom sizes and such. The plan for bringing the courtroom up to standards is to have a secure lobby area where people can be screened and wait." He continued: "The only other big change which is needed is that we are going to have places for the attorneys to meet with their clients outside of the back part of the courtroom" which is where they currently meet.
Estimate cost is $3 million, spread over two fiscal years
The town's capital improvement budget lists the project as a two year, $3 million project. Half of that is included in the 2022-23 Town Managers Recommended Budget.
According the Judge Hazel, this cost is far less than the cost of a new building. "It's been a big project in the design phase in the sense to keep the cost down and we really pared the cost down significantly I think from what it was; especially compared to the cost of the new building. If we were to build a new building it would be $20 million. This [updated] building will last us for the conceivable future."
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