Court administrator reports improved audit results; courthouse bid documents and drug court planning advance
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Summary
Court staff told the Newaygo County Board the recent audit produced fewer findings than a decade ago, the county is updating courthouse blueprints ahead of bidding, and a drug court steering committee set a June grant deadline with an operational target of October.
Court staff reported to the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners that a mid‑April audit of the courts showed fewer findings than the last audit about 10 years ago, and that the county is preparing accurate as‑built blueprints so construction bidders can rely on current building layouts.
"The courts did very well," a court staff member said after a multi‑day on‑site audit, noting the team received a draft of findings and will have an opportunity to respond. The speaker added some systems in the courthouse are old — citing an AS/400 system — and that replacing or upgrading software would make future audits easier.
Why it matters: Reduced audit findings can affect public confidence and the courts’ administrative workload; accurate as‑built blueprints are necessary for soliciting and evaluating construction bids for courthouse work.
Court staff said the county is close to completing as‑built blueprints and is drafting proposed courtroom configurations to include in bidding documents. "We are almost completed with the as built blueprint," the staff member said, adding that original blueprints did not match current configurations because walls and other modifications were made without updated drawings.
On technology, the presenter said the circuit court is already on the state's WebTCS system, while district, juvenile and probate systems remain on older platforms; statewide efforts to expand court software continue but local timelines depend on state rollout and testing.
Court staff also updated commissioners on specialty court planning: a drug court steering committee met and submitted a grant package due June 20, with a target to be operational in October. The presenter said the county is working to hire a coordinator and to draft a participant handbook; some internal staff promotions have created additional postings.
Ending: The court staff member invited follow‑up questions, noting the county will review draft audit findings and continue preparing bid documents and drug court materials.
