[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6359476,"mediaKeyId","2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884","parentId",2177372,"title","Lawmakers and judiciary raise larger question of state role in county-owned courthouses after multiple capital requests","audioSeconds",2276,"startMs",2061000,"endMs",4337000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884&start=2061&end=4337","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884/thumbnail_2061000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359476/Vermont/Lawmakers-and-judiciary-raise-larger-question-of-state-role-in-county-owned-courthouses-after-multiple-capital-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359476-e82ea95a79860f12c9c70c43e2a505c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218472&Signature=ZMIq~4i7o1kwx6FNSup3SE-x2~iK3nLMvAjB3LgRGz7YGTcHJcG~WamT8wf13drezHF2l6B8TUciGNwxZUYSExcfXF7LhAnSJb8NWRiVfk~JyiT2B4GMQbPiRzIFo~1a3uMuRmofEqQjl4tZVbUijIZqqiNSlRtnE~dhKLF-FWNvbi1mdRxRNjnLPdCdFM1Ekzu0~YwP83LBsQuJ-LdMCVtgC2bsHV5b1BPRsIae1Rt3qEcWVbIohufmzz0R~H9Tj6U6UD7LmTbTKWwKZiXBheqIbEpbtdb0A-gXSmOlTh6lQ6wUamL1IfcxKI0CLuk71OOIfV6UASd-OrRAQf5YvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-31T18:01:34Z","article","Capital Budget Committee members used the Jan. 31 hearing to surface a broader issue: the mismatch between unified state court operations and a patchwork of county-owned courthouse buildings.

Greg Mosley, chief of finance and administration for the Vermont Judiciary, told the committee that the judiciary now operates as a unified superior court across civil, probate, family and criminal divisions but that ownership of many courthouses remains with counties. Mosley said the judiciary is required by statute to survey county capital needs, and the agency has done so this year.

Committee members and staff referenced a recent state-funded program that invested about $5.7 million to upgrade HVAC systems in a number of county-owned courthouses for public-health and safety reasons during the pandemic. Members said that program and other one-time state investments highlight the unresolved question of whether the state should assume ownership or long-term financial responsibility for buildings that house state court functions.

Several committee members noted the administrative awkwardness: counties generally provide buildings to the judiciary without rent and pay utilities, while the state has, at times, funded significant renovations. One member urged a longer-term review of the system of county-owned courthouses and possible policy changes that would clarify responsibility for capital maintenance and improvements.

Mosley and committee staff said the topic is broader than the committee’s immediate capital-markup calendar and would require coordination across multiple legislative committees and stakeholders. For the current cycle, staff said they would respond to questions about individual project schedules, county contributions and contingency assumptions and would return with requested details for each courthouse request.

No formal policy changes were proposed at the hearing; members asked staff to provide follow-up information and suggested the question be explored separately from the current capital deliberations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HCI-2025-01-31-1:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members and judiciary staff discussed decades-long ambiguity over county courthouse ownership and state investments, citing past HVAC upgrades and repeated county requests for capital funding.","taxTitle","Corrections & Institutions, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",30574,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6359481,"Essex County proposes $3.69 million connector to use adjacent meeting house for jurors and improve security",929,2816000,3745000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884&start=2816&end=3745","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884/thumbnail_2816000.jpg","/articles/6359481/Vermont/Essex-County-proposes-369-million-connector-to-use-adjacent-meeting-house-for-jurors-and-improve-security","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359481-3db76ecae0e0bedc37535d662299bfc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218472&Signature=Y7FFSagnWY~IKEmGpuLHpeA8xxXODcxraf8QfOqfy9m0zB2ocIuYJDlbkypFm80mNlpnss-UCDGGD5PaGk2IsvZqap9~LCDVII4bX0oFR0gqOUDOyXyyxi3w8TgYh6Zz0NuucvgX-d2eXNUBgpdCscDyIxk1M1CynYc4W1Sy4gw1C~QTod4KjOBFxHRj0gsiMcjgmUaTqbx7kt5K4Gr0D6~R-tDDrnyCexAZNNEwEXGKJyGaQ7ZoHDDBSz3wgvsIP8Q23PtLtupLksudfSssiylwuR0VQ-PczTUqncrKxwdKWPpm326W7dNO0JvCc0BlKrQIbMw-74j2HNf4HpQYFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Essex County and the judiciary presented a $3,685,910 request on Jan. 31 to connect the Guildhall courthouse to the neighboring meeting house to improve jury handling, security and ADA accessibility.

Greg Mosley of the Vermont Judiciary said the county currently uses a meeting house about 100 yards from the courthouse as jury staging space and that jurors must walk outside to reach the courthouse for trials. The proposed connector would create indoor jury staging, separate “front of house” public circulation from a lockable “back of house” area for staff and judges, add ADA-compliant restrooms and replace undersized historic facilities, and include a sally port and upgraded holding cell functionality for criminal courthouse operations.

Mosley said the project was modest in construction complexity — essentially a one-level breezeway and modest foundation work — and that the county obtained design funding in the prior year from federal COVID-era dollars to prepare plans. The county has locally budgeted $360,000 for interior fit-out and expects the design to be construction-ready quickly if state capital funds are approved; Mosley and county assistant judge Ken Stransky said contractors and bids are in hand and counties are prepared to finish interior fit-up.

Committee members asked about historic-preservation review and ADA triggers; Mosley said ADA and historic-preservation requirements were addressed in the design and that Historic Preservation had approved the scope. The committee also sought confirmation of contingencies and inflation assumptions; Mosley said the estimate included a contingency (he expected around 20%) and that bids were recent.

The committee did not approve funding at the hearing. Members asked BGS and county officials to confirm contingency amounts, whether the county would contribute additional funds, and a construction schedule before the project is considered for the capital bill.","Essex County and judiciary officials seek $3,685,910 to build a connector between the Guildhall courthouse and an adjacent meeting house to create indoor jury staging, add ADA upgrades and a sally port for detainee movement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6359486,"County courthouses seek diesel generators after repeated outages; Woodstock request $100,000, Lamoille $190,000",748,2105000,2853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884&start=2105&end=2853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884/thumbnail_2105000.jpg","/articles/6359486/Vermont/County-courthouses-seek-diesel-generators-after-repeated-outages-Woodstock-request-100000-Lamoille-190000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359486-8525684bb2b9f8123780d07889495df1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218472&Signature=E~Aj1ns-X9iz38AkWdeBIw6plwFIoRMh2VrMZ0dsPx2JChxp3bGLIX6FI2sxiC4CqPRxpTZwJv6YWgMh5~l~RrWa4fEiz23kVAurjuBus1WTZEHefRJ1x8l8sstFBmAe854gSio4CLrnkp4LhbsF4M98B7IBhwHLqvvgmqe2EzyLofqWnhfUYpgCtitS~alQL0uQ8oJQ6taSw01DQtzJsI61eVBndbT2ZeZikPeF~4XNactPSyRbvshgaA79EGpuNN6-hoqnh4Z4GYPekaTYt6gLgfTLzygrT4an6YPrkZlmTbIlqld6eTMvMZ0hol2rC14rREHE5HH8oQsGsQir-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two county courthouses asked the Capital Budget Committee on Jan. 31 for state support to install diesel backup generators after recurring power outages forced closures.

Greg Mosley, chief of finance and administration for the Vermont Judiciary, described the Woodstock courthouse in Windsor County as relying on a small battery system that powers emergency lighting for about 90 minutes. Mosley said the county sought estimates and requested $100,000 to purchase and install a diesel generator that could power the entire courthouse during outages; he said the county consulted SunCommon and an electrical contractor, and the battery option was judged insufficient for the building’s existing electrical configuration.

Mosley told the committee that the Woodstock facility has experienced a number of outages — including several intense storms last fall — and that power losses have forced building closure and canceled court sessions. The proposed diesel generator would be installed outside in a tight footprint behind the building; Mosley said the site is constricted but judged installation feasible.

A separate, recently submitted request from Lamoille County seeks about $190,000 for a diesel generator. Mosley said that Courthouse is larger and serves all four divisions of the superior court (civil, probate, family and criminal) and that officials reported outages that have shut down operations there as well. He said BGS would follow up with additional detail on the Lamoille estimate, including whether battery alternatives were evaluated.

Mosley and committee members noted that counties generally pay utilities and provide county-owned buildings to the judiciary without charging rent; the state has, at times, invested in county-owned buildings for safety upgrades (for example, a recent $5.7 million HVAC upgrade program).

No formal decisions were made; committee members asked BGS and judiciary staff to confirm estimates, county contributions and installation schedules before the committee considers including the projects in the capital bill.","Woodstock judges and county officials requested $100,000 for a diesel generator after multiple recent outages; Lamoille County submitted a $190,000 generator estimate. Solar-battery backup was considered but judged infeasible for Woodstock given the building's electrical system.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6359491,"Newport courthouse project stalls on land purchase and parking concerns; $1 million sought for FY27 design work",871,975000,1846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884&start=975&end=1846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884/thumbnail_975000.jpg","/articles/6359491/Vermont/Newport-courthouse-project-stalls-on-land-purchase-and-parking-concerns-1-million-sought-for-FY27-design-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359491-b07d74e63957641842e2fcf7f4b26649/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218472&Signature=E3WO8qGWHNWSyfUcpdl87zmlNJpvzBPI-vNB-j7-fSIqTJjprg6mpmT8LAY4qeGM4Yvs5hCbTB5pf5Wmfsj-NaD-KHQ4CQ8GeKZfZXYIiHMlY1sdFrLDVnAM5mXywHmqniZdADxh~HFm3RyTTcIUAJxpnuGkP9fohh3lGn9WXA2eyd8zpCccTWmitCpFyZGGsYaIy~y3ajXespzLkbBy20KhAT1fnFcy2qbTC4fjE9ootsNbBw1SuEOQ32JtbqQr8-ntS1bZWGQj6~82rXYYNEhv6A0JwoTF1gxdpBP1ohDBNvNwP0OWLYlYbceui7c3prcjON0ZLixVS9Qz2PwsWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members pressed Buildings and General Services on Jan. 31 about whether to continue pursuing renovation of the historic Newport courthouse or look for alternative sites.

Joe Ajah of Buildings and General Services reviewed site constraints at the downtown Newport building, noting limited parking, narrow alleys and an existing fuel-oil tank near an access ramp. Ajah said the courthouse footprint is tight — “about 8 parking spaces between the courthouse and the phone company building” — and that accessibility problems include an elevator shaft too small for a standard wheelchair and upper floors limited by wood-frame construction and occupancy limits under current codes.

Greg Mosley, chief of finance and administration for the Vermont Judiciary, told the committee the judiciary has discussed alternatives, including sites outside downtown Newport. Mosley said accessibility and transit access were key concerns the court raised; the court did not dismiss moving out of downtown if a suitable, accessible site could be found. Mosley also said counties generally do not charge the judiciary rent for county-owned courthouses.

Committee members asked whether substantial renovations would be justified given the parking and code limitations. Ajah said BGS has not yet completed a detailed renovation viability analysis for the Newport building after many years of study and that the project team had been seeking land downtown without success. He said BGS may issue another request for proposals (RFP) that would allow evaluation of properties beyond the downtown area if the committee approves language to widen the search.

BGS requested $1 million in FY27 to begin design and engage a construction manager if a site is identified. Ajah and committee members emphasized the long history of the item, saying the issue has been under discussion for five to six years; members urged BGS to return with a clear site strategy and a renovation feasibility analysis before additional large appropriations are made.

The committee did not vote on the FY27 request during the hearing and asked BGS to supply the original RFP language and additional analysis on parking, accessibility and alternatives to a downtown site.","Officials told the committee the Newport courthouse site is constrained, parking and accessibility are unresolved, and $1 million is being requested in FY27 to start design if a site can be found.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6359496,"State requests $8 million to finish White River Junction courthouse renovation; $2.5 million bank repair pushed to future",845,115000,960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884&start=115&end=960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2177372-0f0dbc813a082f7160d8bfb0c1896884/thumbnail_115000.jpg","/articles/6359496/Vermont/State-requests-8-million-to-finish-White-River-Junction-courthouse-renovation-25-million-bank-repair-pushed-to-future","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359496-81743340eb62a2efbb7bda59fa8ccc09/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218472&Signature=QFPbvhOErnMng5UCC5jw8CZAQ9-e8ShEB16fvSNtvPcDdMykb9HgQUiTjx~Dto7~l6CkfJjXFstIkSTwyReZ5PQgUe6KBbiQTResxg1ioUwQjHAAQGKuSvGs0JIU-Q4UPJ~Q0qfxOFPGzAxGVa501Nfif0DD30VMOB8jgI6F2BydLtiZVdMyIXBurpdPjfBj6Av3huxBTa9b9EF8vTcANcplUFPMuQ-JwKsR~fA5EWRpOU66chZLfBFzQOApLhuGbbsBb~nl47Q6jNAADLsH~nOYmovVy4p1t31GaysHmvo5tpvP11G95L6LerYG1Vec-f3gNtzyA2QTqQQ139t5rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Buildings and General Services asked the Capital Budget Committee on Jan. 31 to add $8 million to the White River Junction Courthouse project so renovation work underway can be completed.

Joe Ajah, director of design and construction for Buildings and General Services (BGS), said the project has been under way for several years, paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now under construction. BGS has appropriated $7.5 million to date and is requesting an additional $8 million for fiscal year 2026 to finish mechanical upgrades, interior renovations and a small secure entry expansion that Ajah said is needed because security procedures have changed since the building was constructed.

The scope includes replacement or major overhaul of air handlers, chillers and boilers, insulation and interior repairs where ceilings and some walls are being removed to fit new equipment, and a modest expansion at the front entry to create a secure entry point for court users and staff. Ajah said the project team removed a proposal to take the exterior brick off and replace it with an outside-insulation system after evaluating appearance and cost; instead, they will insulate from the inside and reinstall interior finishes. He said contractors developed flashing details to correct water intrusion around windows.

Ajah said the total estimated project cost without a separate river-bank stabilization item is $18.5 million. He told the committee the $8 million request would allow the team to complete the building renovations and cover lease and utility costs for temporary space while court operations remain displaced. “We have to stop the project,” Ajah said when asked what would happen if the requested funds are not obtained.

Separately, BGS identified an unstable river bank about 100 feet from the building. Geotechnical work showed the slippage is more extensive than initially believed; BGS plans to ask for a $2.5 million appropriation for bank stabilization in a future biennium, Ajah said.

Ajah told the committee that previous work over multiple fiscal years has provided design and preconstruction funding; a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) is expected soon and change orders are anticipated. He said the $8 million request covers the current bid package and associated lease costs, but that the GMP could alter the final amount.

Committee members pressed for a schedule and were told that, by avoiding full exterior brick demolition and relying on interior insulation and other adjustments, the project could be completed as soon as late fall 2025. Ajah said the bank-stabilization work is not included in the current request and would be pursued separately.

The committee did not take a vote at the hearing. Ajah and staff said they would provide the GMP and other project details as they become available.","Buildings and General Services says $7.5 million already appropriated; $8 million requested to complete HVAC, interior work and secure entry improvements. A separate $2.5 million bank-stabilization need will be sought in a later year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers and judiciary raise larger question of state role in county-owned courthouses after multiple capital requests

Essex County proposes $3.69 million connector to use adjacent meeting house for jurors and improve security

County courthouses seek diesel generators after repeated outages; Woodstock request $100,000, Lamoille $190,000

Newport courthouse project stalls on land purchase and parking concerns; $1 million sought for FY27 design work

State requests $8 million to finish White River Junction courthouse renovation; $2.5 million bank repair pushed to future